Purpose Driven Movement

Join host Vanessa and expert guest Rodney Corn, Director of Eleiko Education, as he shares valuable insights into the crucial role of recovery in achieving fitness success. Gain practical insights on effective recovery methods tailored for fitness professionals and fitness enthusiasts. From the importance of rest days to advanced recovery techniques, Rodney shares a holistic approach that goes beyond just the workout. Elevate your fitness game by understanding the science behind recovery and implementing strategies for optimal results.

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Our favourite quotable moments:

"For most people, recovery is when we don't do something. And I think that's extremely incomplete." - Rodney Corn

"Recovery is a constant dance between what the body is being put under, the stressors it's being put under, and its ability to meet the challenge of those stressors." - Rodney Corn

"Recovery has…the repairing process involved in it, but it has to complete that inflammation cycle." - Rodney Corn

“Sleep is one of your primary recovery tools." - Rodney Corn

Resources:

Website: https://eleiko.com/education 

Instagram: @rodney_corn

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About Our Guest:

Rodney has over 30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. He is the Director of Eleiko Education promoting performance, learning, and kindness through world-class education and products making people stronger so they perform better in sports and in life. His former positions include Director of Education for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Co-Founder and former COO of PTA Global, Co-Founder of FeelSOMA (Self Osteo-Myofascial Applications).

About Your Host:

Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

Stuck in a fitness rut and dreaming of a career that inspires others?  Feeling lost in a sea of online certifications and wondering if you're truly prepared for the real world?  This podcast episode with guest Bekk Millwood, a seasoned fitness industry recruiter, is your wake-up call! Dive into the booming Australian fitness scene, where world-class facilities and cutting-edge approaches are changing the game. Bekk tells all about the talent shortage, the gap between education and reality, and what you actually need to succeed. Plus, uncover insider tips on networking, navigating salaries and benefits, and finding a company culture that fits your passion. Ready to make a real impact? Hit play, tune in, and level up your career journey with Bekk's expert guidance.

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Our favourite quotable moments:

“Everyone is coming [to Australia] because of the standard of the gyms that we have and the facilities that we have here, not to mention the boutiques that are including wellness…recovery and restoration.” - Bekk Millwood

“It goes back one step even further before the interview. Do you know the brand? What do you know about [the business you’re applying to]? Have you done your research?” - Bekk Millwood

“We don't care about your qualifications or experience, we care that you're a great human.” - Bekk Millwood

Resources:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bekk-millwood-fitness-recruitment/ 

Instagram: @flitalent & @bekkmillwood

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About Our Guest:

Bekk Millwood, founder of FLI Talent, connects top health and wellness professionals with boutique fitness studios across Australia. Driven by her mission to build sustainable careers in the industry, Bekk has placed over 360 professionals in the past 3 years, averaging 120 placements annually. With her extensive network and keen eye for talent, Bekk helps businesses build high-performing teams, shaping the future of Australia's fitness landscape.

About Your Host:

Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

Ready to supercharge your workouts for women in your classes or sessions? Dive into this podcast episode where host Vanessa speaks with Nardia Norman about optimising exercises to elevate your fitness game for women. Get insights on managing pain in clients dealing with endometriosis or PCOS, and discover the secrets of training during the menstrual cycle. Explore the impact of hormones on exercise performance and master the biopsychosocial model to better connect with your female clients. Elevate your skills in women's health and fitness, making your sessions more effective and tailored. Don't miss out on levelling up your fitness expertise!

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Our favourite quotable moments:

"Ignorance is no longer something that you can rely on." - Nardia Norman 

"You need to have a fundamental working knowledge of female physiology." - Nardia Norman

"Fitness has to be doable, achievable, and sustainable." - Nardia Norman

Resources:

Book Recommendation: Dr Sarah McKay The Women's Brain Book

Website: https://www.nardianorman.com/about

Instagram @nardianorman

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About Our Guest:

Nardia is a no-nonsense business coach, dedicated teacher, and mentor tailored for professionals like yourself. With expertise in coaching for digital products and signature programs, as well as women's education within the health and fitness domain, Nardia is your go-to expert if you're prepared to step into a leadership role. Boasting multiple awards, she is not only a highly acclaimed trainer but also an accomplished speaker and education provider. Notably, Nardia stands as the visionary behind Australasia's pioneering Female Health and Performance certification for fitness professionals, setting a new standard in the industry.

About Your Host:

Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

Discover the transformative power of physical education as a vital element in comprehensive learning with host Tarek and special guest Steve Cotter. Steve, a pioneer in kettlebell training, shares insights on the trinity of mind, body, and breath, emphasising the urgent need for a balanced, physically capable society. Dive into their captivating discussion about the challenges of modern living, the importance of play in intuition development, and the role of physical activity in fostering present moment awareness. Listen now and get ready for thought-provoking ideas that challenge conventional education paradigms and inspire a holistic approach to personal wellbeing. 

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Our favourite quotable moments:

"Instead of speaking about spirit, I speak about the breath." - Steve Cotter

“The breath is…the connection between the consciousness - or the mind - and the physicality - or the body.” - Steve Cotter

"I believe that physical education is the salvation. It is the body which is the fastest possibility of facilitating or manifesting change within the individual." - Steve Cotter

"Paranormal activity now is becoming a lot more understood at least at the scientific level.” - Steve Cotter

“Some will say that we have four brains.” - Steve Cotter

Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ikff.net

Social Media: www.youtube.com/IKFFChannel

Instagram @stevecotter_ikff

Twitter @stevecotter_ikff

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About Our Guest:

For over 30 years, Steve Cotter has been a champion of body-mind fitness, specialising in martial arts, qigong, mobility, flexibility, and kettlebell training. Recognized by Men's Health as one of the Top 100 Fittest Men of All-Time, he is a global fitness educator, conducting hands-on training in 70+ nations. A 2021 World Masters BJJ Champion and BJJ Fanatics instructor, Steve's influence extends beyond fitness pros to enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned for his Kettlebell Training expertise, he authored the definitive book, created instructional DVDs, and passionately shares his wealth of experience to inspire health, happiness, and longevity through fitness.

About Your Host:

Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

Do you wish you better understood the concept of tensegrity in the body, and how emotions and mental state play a part in you and your client’s fitness journey? Then press play on this fascinating episode with host Vanessa Leone and founder of Feel SOMA Ian O’Dwyer. The two dive into important topics relating to movement, fascia and overall wellbeing. You’ll learn about how emotions and physical motion are intertwined and underline the role of joy in performance. They also take a deep dive into the world of fascia and tensegrity, exploring how your body functions as a harmonious unit. You’ll walk away with techniques and tools to add to your training toolkit, to better the lives of your clients - and you.

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Our favourite quotable moments:

"Emotion is motion and motion is emotion." - Ian O’Dwyer

"Sometimes the systems don't fit the human beings." - Ian O’Dwyer

“[During covid pandemic], we actually got to spend more time together as family, which I think was beautiful." - Ian O’Dwyer

"If we can change their frequency, if we can change the way they feel, it will change the way they move." - Ian O’Dwyer

Resources:

Feel Soma Website

Instagram - @feelsoma

Facebook - @feelsoma

YouTube - @feelsoma

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About Ian:

Ian (OD) is an accomplished fitness professional with a 30-year career spanning diverse roles, such as Movement Coach, Personal Trainer, Author, and Mentor. For 24 years, he owned and operated the renowned OD on Movement Performance Studio on the Sunshine Coast, QLD, and has made significant contributions to the fitness industry through ventures like PT on the Net and PTA Global. Currently, as the Co-Founder of Feel SOMA, Ian's innovative approach focuses on guiding and coaching the whole person, encompassing emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects to create positive solutions. His remarkable ability to connect, observe, and facilitate instant change in individuals, groups, and teams is highly esteemed by a global community of clients, friends, family, and colleagues, emphasising his inclusive, practical, and enjoyable approach.

About Your Host:

Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

Do you think about longevity when it comes to fitness? In this podcast episode, host Tarek welcomes a special guest, Sebastian Ellis, to explore the science and art of living a better, healthier, and more satisfying life as the years roll on - and teaching others to do the same. Learn why longevity isn't just about adding years but about finding joy, fulfilment, and keeping our bodies strong as we age. Sebastian shares a refreshing take on moving beyond appearances. He talks about the challenge of teaching people to embrace lasting health, spanning workouts, nutrition, sleep, and daily choices. Tarek and Sebastian stress the role of learning and creating gyms that support an all-around approach to fitness. You’ll also hear clever ways to build a sense of belonging and encourage movement in different forms, both inside and outside the gym. He shows us how gym leaders can be role models, fostering an inspiring environment for a longer, healthier life.

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Our favourite quotable moments:

"I think a lot of people don't actually embrace what longevity means until we get to an age where we feel that we have to.” - Sebastian Ellis

“Longevity is really about living a longer life, a happier life, a more fulfilled life and being able to function as a human into our mid and older ages.” - Sebastian Ellis

“If you're talking about longevity, it really comes down to the practices and the disciplines that the individual engages with outside of the gym." - Sebastian Ellis

Resources:

Elements 4 Life Website

Elements 4 Life Blog

E4L Online Website

Instagram - @coach_sabby_j

Instagram - @e4l_smarttraining 

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About Sebastian:

Sebastian is the Founder of Elements4Life fitness brand, lifestyle strategist and business entrepreneur. He is building an innovative fitness & lifestyle brand with a focus on advanced technologies, online platforms and delivery applications.

About Your Host:

Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement. 

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

Did you know, as a fitness professional in Australia, 43% of your potential clientele is a mum? So if you’re not learning about women’s health pre- and post-natal, you’re missing a vital opportunity in your clientele base. In this fascinating podcast episode, host Vanesas Leone speaks with expert guest Jen Dugard, founder of MumSafe™️, creator of Safe Return to Exercise™️, and author of How to Love your Body as much as your Baby. With over 15 years of experience and passion for ensuring the wellbeing of mothers, Jen’s insights in this episode are invaluable. You’ll gain a better understanding of various stages women experience throughout pregnancy and postpartum, so that you better plan a more comprehensive return-to-exercise for your clients. By sharing real-life examples and advocating for proper care and awareness, Jen Dugard delivers a compelling case for the importance of postpartum fitness education. This episode offers practical insights and solutions for a safer and healthier post-baby fitness journey. Don't miss out on this essential conversation.

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Our favourite quotable moments:

"If you're a male, please keep listening. This is so important for you to stay on board with us because [pre- and postnatal] needs to be education for everyone, not just education for females." - Vanessa Leone

"42% of [your] potential clientele is going to be a mother." - Jen Dugard

“Empowerment comes through education." - Jen Dugard

"We as trainers need to understand that [a new mum’s] six week checkup has cleared her to start to move, but it's definitely not a go-back-to-what-you-were-doing before you fell pregnant." - Jen Dugard

"Make sure you've got a pre exercise questionnaire that is specific to working with mums." - Jen Dugard 

Resources:

Jen Dugard’s Book How to Love your Body as Much as Your Baby

Jen Dugard Website

Mum Safe Website

The Checklist

Jen Dugard Instagram

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About Jen:

Jen is the founder of MumSafe™️, creator of Safe Return to Exercise™️ and author of How to Love your Body as much as your Baby. With 15 years experience Jen’s mission is to ensure all mums are looked after safely & effectively through ensuring trainers have a sound general knowledge in working with mums.  Jen educates & mentors across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore & Taiwan. Jen features regularly in media and serves on the Fitness Australia board.

About Your Host:

Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in th

Have you sharpened your mental skills lately? Join co-host Tarek Chouja and expert guest Jay Hedley in this episode about the hidden power of mental stamina. Learn how honing your mental prowess can create a profound shift in both you and your clients. From conquering high-pressure scenarios to combatting limiting beliefs, this episode will inspire you to sharpen your mental skills and empower your clients to do the same. You'll discover the art of anchoring, neuro-linguistic programming, and the intricacies of cognitive intentions. Don't miss the chance to grasp integral developmental psychology strategies that will boost your career and life.

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Our favourite quotable moments:

"When we lack mental skills is when we lack the capacity to deal with what's happening around us." - Jay Hedley

"The relationship between coach and client needs to go deeper than just performance." - Jay Hedley

"The mind leads the body." - Jay Hedley

"Rapport skills. I'm not talking about, ‘how is your weekend’; I'm talking about genuine, unconscious, psychological and physiological rapport." - Jay Hedley

Resources:

Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey

The Coaching Room Website

Jay Hedley - LinkedIn

Jay Hedley - Instagram

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About Jay:

Jay Hedley is the Managing Partner at The Coaching Room®, specializing in coaching high-performance executives, leaders, athletes, and sports coaches to unlock their full potential. With a focus on identifying key differentiators and addressing blind spots, Jay empowers individuals and teams to challenge existing structures and take meaningful action. He has worked with prominent organizations such as Fiji Rugby 7s, KPMG Australia, and RedBull Racing – Formula 1, guiding them towards transformative change and enhanced performance.

About Your Host:

Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. 

Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement. 

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on this listening platform!

Are you a group exercise instructor? Whether you are a CrossFit coach, a yoga instructor or any other fitness-style leader in a group setting, your role as a group exercise leader is more pivotal than you may think. In this explorative episode, co-host Paul Meldrum takes the reins, asking thought-provoking questions of co-host Vanessa Leone. In this episode, you’ll hear about Exercise to Experience, the company Vanessa co-founded, which explores the concept of exercise as an experience, not just exercise. Vanessa and her co-founder Emma help instructors move beyond the surface level and dive into the intricacies of leading a high-retention exercise class. In this episode, you’ll learn about the common myths surrounding group exercise, why it’s important to create a transformative and enjoyable experience in group exercise settings, and learn ways to to bridge the gap between segments of the fitness industry. Find new ways to connect with your fitness participants for better connection and community, positive atmosphere, and overall retention.

Our favourite quotable moments:

"Everything that happens to you in your life that's worth remembering is an experience." - Vanessa Leone

“[An experience] can be very memorable." - Vanessa Leone

“If you come at exercise from an experience perspective, then it seems less like a chore." - Vanessa Leone

"The instructor having that technical [and holistic] knowledge of the human body is so important." - Vanessa Leone

"You play the right song for the right group of people at the right time, and that's magic.” - Vanessa Leone

"For any CrossFit who's listening to me, don't hate me. You're in a group, you're doing the same workout. You have an instructor. It's group exercise." - Vanessa Leone

Resources:

Learn more about Exercise to Experience.

Exercise to Experience on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Ness:

Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.

About Your Host:

With twenty years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Paul has worked extensively with clients in weight loss, muscle gain, rehabilitation, and sports performance. He is highly respected in the industry and has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year twice, in 2005/06 and 2007/08, as well as a Clinical Excellence Award from the Aust

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Explore the constantly evolving space of injury prevention in this episode with host Tarek Chouja and guest Ulrik Larsen, an experienced sports physiotherapist. You’ll hear a fascinating conversation diving into the importance of finding the missing links in movement patterns and how to correct muscle imbalances for improved resilience and injury prevention. Discover the value of blending correctives into your training sessions to help clients build a more efficient and pain-free movement. Join us for this insightful conversation and learn how to bring awareness and mindful movement to your fitness journey. So, if you're a fitness professional or part of the allied health community, this episode is a must-listen for you!

Our favourite quotable moments:

"Prevention is better than the cure. If you can minimize the risks of your clients getting grumpy shoulders, grumpy knees, irritability in their lower back, it's so much better than having to then look for a cure." - Ulrik Larsen

"Philosophically, I think physios believe in the importance of strength and momentum and even the psychology of injury management more than ever." - Ulrik Larsen

"In the realm of injury management and prevention, it's important for fitness professionals to know their limits and work collaboratively with other health professionals." - Ulrik Larsen

"Awareness of movement and being present during exercise can provide psychological and physical benefits throughout the week." - Ulrik Larsen

Resources:

Get 15% off any of our online courses. Simply go to Functional Training Institute and input 'PDM15' at cart checkout.

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About Ulrik:

Ulrik Larsen, an Australian Sports Physiotherapist with 28 years' experience, founded Rehab Trainer International. He specialises in educating the fitness industry to reduce injury rates. His REHAB TRAINER courses, taught in nearly 20 countries, use up-to-date research and innovative thinking for safe and effective rehabilitation of chronic over-use injuries. Enhance your skills as a Personal Trainer with the Rehab Trainer Injury Prevention courses and kit.

About Your Host:

Tarek is the co-founder of the functional training institute and FitWell Education lab. Tarek is an international educator and speaker who has presented numerous times at the biggest convention in Australia, Asia and the US. In addition, Tarek has presented courses to thousands of trainers throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Tarek is also a best-selling author of ‘Purpose Driven Movement.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.