Results Not Typical

In this episode, Nikki chats with strength coach Isabelle Barter about the role of the nervous system in pain, injury prevention, and strength training.

They discuss:

• Outdated beliefs around the role of posture in pain and physical performance
• How the nervous system is more complicated than "rest and digest" versus "fight or flight"
• When biomechanics matters during strength training and injury prevention
• How the nervous system influences strength and the experience pain
• The difference between adaptations to the nervous system versus muscles and tendons during exercise
• The different types of posture and how to train them.

To connect with Isabelle and learn more about her work, visit strongerhuman.com or follow her on instagram @stronger_human

In this interview, Nikki chats with strength and mobility coach Jessie Rard from Twisted Fox Training about training with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility.

They discuss:

• What EDS is and basic considerations for pain reduction and injury prevention if you have this diagnosis or you know that you are hypermobile
• Passive (stretching) versus active (strengthening) ranges of motion and how to assess for and close the gap between the two
• The importance of stability and strength training when you are hypermobile
• Why you can have hypermobility and still pursue athletic activities, including circus, martial arts, and more.
• Why you don't need to fear your range of motion if you are hypermobile or work with hypermobile individuals

Connect or work with Jessie:

• Website: twistedfoxtraining.com
• Instagram: @twistedfoxtraining
• Patreon Exercise Library: Patreon.com/twistedfoxtraining

In this episode, Nikki chats with Travis Pollen, PhD Health & Rehabilitation Sciences about how to critically assess scientific and research claims in the social media and online space.

They discuss:

• The limitations of research and how it doesn't always hold up when applied to real life
• The problem is cherry picking or only selecting a single study to site on why you are doing something rather than considering the larger body of evidence and how this can lead to misleading claims
• Why you can't believe everything you hear in the media or on Instagram, even when it comes from an authority
• Why most health and fitness advice is really boring and if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is

Resources mentioned:

• Research review for health and fitness professionals and teachers: physio-network.com
• Free mentorship for improving communication skills between health / movement professionals and clients: The Level Up Initiative

To connect with Travis, visit travispollen.com or follow him @fitness_pollenator on Instagram.

In this episode, Nikki chats with Wanjira Njenga about the process of menopause and how women can navigate fitness during the process.

They discuss:

• How the hormonal changes related to menopause start much earlier than many women realize and why they may want to start preparing for these changes in their 30's
• What type of exercises and nutritional considerations women may want to make and their hormone levels shift
• What women can and cannot control during this process and why we want to control the controllables
• The value of strength training, pelvic floor work, and taking a moderate approach to fitness during this time

To connect with Wanjira, visit her website studiowanjira.com or follow her on Instagram @studiowanjira.

In this episode, Nikki chats with Pilates teacher, fitness trainer, and wellness coach Tasha Edwards, M.S. about what it means to be empowered in fitness and life and the issues with the lack of diversity and representation in the Pilates industry.

They discuss:

• How to find grace for yourself when you are injured or your body isn't where you want it to be
• The difference between acceptance and complacency
• The power of showing up as you are instead of projecting an image of who you think you should be
• The recent resignation of the four Black board members from the Pilates Method Alliance and where we might want to go as an industry

To connect with Tasha, visit her website hiphealthychick.com or follow her on Instagram at @hiphealthychick.

In this episode, Nikki chats with yoga teacher Kathy Dodd about how ageism shows up in the yoga space and what teachers and students can do to change the narrative.

They discuss:

• Why we shouldn't assume that gentle is always better as we get older
• How representation of more diverse ages in teachers and students practicing yoga on social media can make the practice more accessible
• Some of the hidden benefits of getting older as a woman
• How to straddle the line between acceptance of the aging process and vanity
• How to push back against the feeling of invisibility as we age

To connect with Kathy visit kathydodd.com or follow Kathy at @kdnaturalyoga on Instagram.

Finally visit themovementshop.com/fishnets to shop sassy size inclusive Pilates, fitness, and yoga tees.

In this interview, Nikki chats with Pilates teacher and owner of the online Pilates and fitness apparel store Maria Silver about why size inclusivity is important in the fashion and athleisure wear industry.

They discuss:

• Why Maria has worked to make her clothing line as size inclusive as possible from day one
• The work that she has done to increase representation and diversity of models for her clothing line
• Why it's important that people with thin privilege advocate for people with bigger bodies
• Her inspiration for starting The Movement Shop and the mission behind her store
• How she comes up with her memes and the reason for her slogan Movement Comes in All Sizes

To connect with Maria, say hello on Instagram @themovementshop or visit themovementshop.com to shop her designs.

Please note, some of the links on this page are affiliate links and I may get a small kickback if you purchase anything through them at no additional cost to you.

In this interview, Nikki chats with strength coach Marianne Kane about finding fitness in uncertain times.

They discuss:

• How action is the antidote
• The value of a low bar and small consistent actions
• The role of stress and uncertainty in feeling less than motivated
• The mental health benefits of fitness
• Being aware of numbing behaviors and strategies to minimize them

To connect with Marianne, visit her website myomyfitness.com or say hello on Facebook or Instagram.

In this episode, Nikki chats with strength and conditioning coach Damali Fraiser about her approach to strength training and some of the social issues in the fitness industry.

They discuss:

• The process of getting started with kettlebells
• Benefits of strength that have nothing to do with weight loss
• Why it is important that we address fat phobia, body diversity, and representation in the fitness industry
• How we can find a more empowering approach to relationship with eating and food.

In this episode, Nikki and Pilates teacher and strength coach Kayleigh Miller discuss what the science says about the idea that some forms of exercise such as Pilates, can create "long and lean" muscles whereas other forms, such as strength training will make you "bulky."

They cover:

• What it actually means and requires to get toned
• How this type of marketing does not serve women
• The benefits of pursuing Pilates and strength beyond aesthetic goals

To connect with Kayleigh, say hello on instagram or visit http://www.kayleigh-miller.com/