The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy - Podcast

What is a Heat Stroke?  Prevention Tips & How to Avoid It

Learn what heat stroke is, why it can be dangerous, and how to avoid it during hot weather. In this video, fitness specialist and author Tracy Markley shares heat stroke warning signs, symptoms, prevention tips, hydration advice, medication concerns, and personal experiences with heat-related illness.

Heat stroke can become a medical emergency and may affect the brain, heart, and other organs. Understanding the signs of overheating and staying hydrated can help protect you, your loved ones, and even your pets during warm weather.

Being a stroke survivor of a heat stroke has future heat and health effects and challenges.
Strokes of any kind are bad. Stroke prevention for all strokes is important.

In this Podcast:
✔ What heat stroke is
✔ Common warning signs and symptoms
✔ Why hydration matters
✔ Heat stroke risk factors
✔ Medications can increase heat sensitivity
✔ Tips to stay cool and safe
✔ Post Heat strokes challenges
✔ Tracy's heat stroke story and after affects
✔ When to seek medical help

Visit Tracy Markley:
https://www.TracyMarkley.com

Books by Tracy Markley available on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Watch the Video Edition of the Podcast on Heat Stoke at:

https://youtu.be/coSNkhCawUY?si=kLvJXnq6OR41-9Hh

Video Chapters:
00:00 What Is Heat Stroke?
00:11 Meet Tracy Markley
00:43 Heat Stroke Explained
01:35 Why Heat Stroke Can Be Deadly
02:02 The Importance of Daily Hydration
02:46 Stay Hydrated & Get Out of the Heat
03:20 Who Is Most at Risk?
03:48 Ways to Prevent Heat Stroke
04:14 Heat Stroke Symptoms to Watch For
04:38 My Personal Heat Stroke Experience
05:48 A Recent Heat Stroke Scare
06:34 Why Dehydration Makes Heat Stroke Worse
07:11 Check Your Medications
08:24 My Top 3 Heat Stroke Prevention Tips
08:41 Additional Ways to Stay Cool
09:45 When to Seek Medical Help
10:15 Final Thoughts & Resources

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and take care of your health.

Tracy L. Markley is an internationally recognized fitness educator, award-winning author, and specialist in stroke recovery biomechanics, balance training, gait improvement, functional anatomy, posture, and fall prevention. Since 1994, Tracy has educated fitness professionals, caregivers, seniors, and stroke survivors through courses, books, workshops, and online education.
Professional Recognition 
• 2021 IDEA World Personal Trainer of the Year 
• 2024 National Fitness Hall of Fame – America's Top Fitness Educator 
• Award-Winning Author of 17 Books and 38 Global Book Awards 

Tracy Markley is the Creator of the Advanced Education CEC Courses:
 • Stroke Recovery Specialist 
• Functional Anatomy 101 & Beyond 

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Shoulder subluxation after stroke can be painful, frustrating, and confusing—but many people never realize how closely shoulder alignment is connected to posture, core strength, hip function, and overall body mechanics.

In this video, Tracy Markley explains what shoulder subluxation is, why it commonly occurs after stroke, and how posture, core stability, and body alignment affect the shoulder joint. Using visual anatomy models, including Bendy Bones, Tracy demonstrates how the shoulder's ball-and-socket joint works, what happens during a partial dislocation (subluxation), and why poor posture can make recovery more difficult.

Tracy also discusses the role of the rotator cuff muscles, spasticity, fascia connections, hip alignment, nerve communication, and the deep stabilizing muscles of the core. Through real-world stroke recovery examples, she explains why strengthening the center of the body can help support better posture, improve movement patterns, and create a stronger foundation for arm and shoulder recovery.

This educational lesson is designed for stroke survivors, caregivers, therapists, and fitness professionals who want a better understanding of shoulder subluxation, posture, movement recovery, and safe rehabilitation principles.

In this video:

• What shoulder subluxation is
• Shoulder anatomy and the ball-and-socket joint
• Why shoulder subluxation is common after stroke
• Rotator cuff muscles and shoulder stability
• How poor posture affects shoulder alignment
• Core strength and postural support
• The connection between hips, fascia, and shoulders
• Spasticity and muscle imbalances after stroke
• Nerve communication and arm recovery
• Real stroke recovery examples and lessons learned
• Practical posture tips for daily activities and recovery

For More Support for Stroke Recovery, Balance, and Safe Movement

I create educational videos to help stroke survivors, caregivers, and professionals better understand movement, balance, posture, biomechanics, and recovery with clarity and confidence.

Chapters

00:00 What Is Shoulder Subluxation?
02:29 Understanding the Shoulder Joint and Ball-and-Socket Anatomy
03:05 Partial Dislocation and Why Subluxation Happens
03:47 Rotator Cuff Muscles and Shoulder Stability
04:23 How Poor Posture Pulls the Shoulder Out of Alignment
06:29 Spasticity, Muscle Tightness, and Shoulder Position
06:58 Why Core Strength Affects Shoulder Recovery
08:03 How Hips, Fascia, and Shoulders Work Together
08:32 Sleeping, Sitting, and Daily Habits That Affect Subluxation
10:19 Stroke Survivor Story: Rotator Cuff Injury and Recovery
11:30 Why Shoulder Exercises Fail in Poor Posture
12:46 The Core Is the Key to Recovery
13:49 How to Improve Posture: Abs In and Zip Up
14:50 Training Your Body to Stay in Good Posture
16:17 Shoulders Out of Your Ears: A Simple Recovery Cue
16:54 Stroke Survivor Story: When the Shoulder Popped Back Into Place
18:38 Why Posture Is Essential for Stroke Recovery
19:28 Practice Good Posture Throughout the Day
20:42 Sleep Positioning and Keeping Joints Aligned
21:34 How Posture Improves Arm Recovery and Movement
22:23 Nerves, Posture, and Arm Function
22:52 How Posture Helps the Brain Send Movement Signals
24:09 Final Tips: Hydration, Recovery, and Good Posture

Tracy L. Markley is an internationally recognized fitness educator, award-winning author, and specialist in stroke recovery biomechanics, balance training, gait improvement, functional anatomy, posture, and fall prevention. Since 1994, Tracy has educated fitness professionals, caregivers, seniors, and stroke survivors through courses, books, workshops, and online education.
Professional Recognition
• 2021 IDEA World Personal Trainer of the Year
• 2024 National Fitness Hall of Fame – America's Top Fitness Educator
• Award-Winning Author of 17 Books and 38 Global Book Awards

Creator of the Advanced CEC Courses
 • Stroke Recovery Specialist
• Functional Anatomy 101 & Beyond
Topics
• Fitness & Health
• Stroke Recovery
• Balance & Fall Prevention
• Hearing Loss • Health Podcast

Books: https://www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Website: https://www.tracymarkley.com

Educational content only. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise or rehabilitation program.


#TracyMarkley #ShoulderSubluxation #ShoulderSubluxationAfterStroke #StrokeRecovery #StrokeRehab #PostureMatters #CoreStability #ShoulderAlignment #BendyBones #StrokeEducation #NeurologicalRecovery #ShoulderPainAfterStroke

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Stroke Survivors asked, "How often should stroke survivors do physical therapy?" In this video, stroke recovery specialist Tracy Markley explains the difference between one, two, three, or more days a week physical therapy for a stroke recovery.

She teaches why daily movement, therapy exercises, balance training, walking practice, posture work, hydration, and home exercises can play an important role in stroke rehabilitation and recovery.

Learn how neuroplasticity, repetition, and consistent practice may help improve walking, balance, regaining arm, hands, fingers, and leg movement, coordination, and overall function after a stroke. Whether you're currently in physical therapy or continuing recovery at home, these tips can help you maximize your rehabilitation efforts.

✅ Stroke Recovery
✅ Physical Therapy After Stroke
✅ Balance and Walking Training
✅ Neuroplasticity and Brain Recovery
✅ Home Exercise for Stroke Survivors
✅ Fall Prevention Strategies

GRAB YOURSELF A COPY OF TRACY'S BOOKS AND SEE HERE COURSES
at:
https://www.tracymarkley.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

- Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends, But Your    
   Recovery Continues
- Balance Walking and Fall Prevention
- Stroke Recovery: Regaining Arm Movement
- Stroke Recovery: Legs to Building Walking Gait
- The Stroke of an Artist - The Journey of a Fitness Trainer and a Stroke 
   Survivor

Watch this Podcast Episode on YouTube at:

https://youtu.be/EGDis9jX40U
Video Chapters:

00:00 - How Often Should Stroke Survivors Do Physical Therapy?
00:50 - Stroke Recovery and Neuroplasticity Explained
01:43 - Why Daily Exercise Matters After Stroke
03:00 - Safe Balance Training at Home
04:12 - How the Brain Relearns Movement
05:11 - Recovery, Rest Days, and Staying Active
06:47 - What If Walking Is Difficult After Stroke?
08:19 - Home Exercises Between Physical Therapy Sessions
09:15 - Balance, Walking, and Posture Training
10:18 - Core Strength and Stroke Rehabilitation
11:21 - How Often Should You Practice Recovery Exercises?
12:00 - Hydration and Stroke Recovery
13:54 - Real Stroke Survivor Recovery Example
15:08 - Muscle Tightness, Spasticity, and Water Intake
16:03 - Why Your Brain Drives Recovery
17:03 - Daily Habits for Better Stroke Recovery

If this video was helpful, please consider liking the video and subscribe to my channel.

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What Happens When You Lose Everything at 31?  You Choose Joy.

In honor of Stroke Awareness Month, we welcome inspirational speaker and coach Cynthia Joi Towner (CJoi) to The Health and Fitness Show with Tracy.

At just 31 years old, CJoi survived a life-altering stroke. Today, 12 years later, she refuses to just be a stroke survivor—she is a Stroke Thriver.

In this powerful interview, Joi shares her incredible journey with honesty, laughter, and pure joy. She reveals how she transformed adversity into a global movement, Strength In You, rooted in resilience, purpose, and community impact.

If you are looking for stroke recovery motivation, a powerful mindset shift, or the inspiration to reclaim your voice after a crisis, this episode is for you.

Learn how to stop waiting for strength and start activating it today!

👉  Follow the show and leave a 5-star review!
👉 Share this episode" and "Listen to the full interview.

Connect with Cynthia Joi (CJoi):


https://www.strengthinyou.org
https://www.facebook.com/IMSTRIVE
https://www.speakerhub.com/speaker/Cynthia-joi-
http://www.instagram.com/Juuceestrength
https://www.tiktok/Juuceestrength
https://www.linkedin.com/in/strengthinyou

Connect with  Tracy L Markley:

https://www.tracymarkley.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley (Tracy's 15 books on Amazon)

https://www.instagram.com/motivate_healthyfit

Tracy's YouTube Channel Tracy L. Markley Fitness & Author - YouTube

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Good health is about more than just your physical body—true wellness includes your mind, your mindset, and choosing to honor your goals and dreams. 

In this episode of The Health and Fitness Show with Tracy Markley, I sit down with a special guest you can truly trust: Ashley from Beekeeper Media. If you want to speak, share your voice, or teach your passion, you can achieve that goal by launching your very own YouTube channel. Ashley and Tracy break down the exact mindset steps to help you get there. 

Watch to learn how to overcome mental obstacles and finally bring your deepest creative goals to life!

🔗 CONNECT WITH ASHLEY B:
• Website: https://beekeepermedia.com
• Email Contact: [email protected]

📚 EXPLORE TRACY MARKLEY'S BOOKS & COURSES:
• Official Website: https://www.tracymarkley.com

• Tracy's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Subscribe for regular, science-backed movement hacks, mental fitness tips, and functional health guidance to keep your lifestyle moving forward.



If this video was helpful, please consider liking the video and subscribe to my channel.
About Tracy:
Tracy L. Markley is a world-renowned fitness expert, award-winning author, personal trainer and educator. 
With over 30 years of industry experience (since 1994), she is recognized as one of the top fitness authorities in the United States
Top Honors & Awards: 
• 2021 IDEA World Personal Trainer of the Year 
• 2024 America’s Top Fitness Educators (National Fitness Hall of Fame)
• Award-Winning Author of 15 Books (including "The Stroke of an Artist") 
         As of January 2026, Tracy has won 38 book awards. 
• 2020 Medical Fitness Professional of the Year (1st Runner Up)
• 2020 IDEA World Personal Trainer of the Year Award Finalist

Featured Book Project: "Her Legacy" with Elaine LaLanne (La La Lalanne) Tracy is a co-author of the collaborative book “Her Legacy” with Elaine LaLanne (wife of fitness legend Jack LaLanne). This historic book was released to celebrate Elaine’s 100th Birthday, marking a massive milestone in fitness history. 
Check out Tracy’s Chapter (Chapter 24) Titled – Motion as Medicine – Intuition as Guide. 
This book, along with all Tracy L Markley books, is also available at Tracy’s bookstore: https://www.tracymarkley.com/tracys-boostore 
Professional Expertise & Specialist Training:
Tracy is the creator of the Stroke Recovery Specialist CEC Course and Functional Anatomy 101 & Beyond CEC Course. 
Her expertise includes: 
• Stroke Recovery & Senior Balance 
• Functional Training & Fall Prevention
• Biomechanics Specialist  
• Functional Anatomy of the Core and Spine – CHEK Institute
• ACE Pain Management Specialist
• Certified Pilates & 200 RYT Yoga Instructor
• Radio Host of "The Health and Fitness Show with Tracy"

If you would like to continue learning with me beyond YouTube, here are a few ways to do that:
Find Tracy's books on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley
& her website https://www.tracymarkley.com

On my website you will also find access to:
• Join my monthly fitness membership
• Continuing education courses
• Join: Stroke Recovery - What Now? Stroke Support Group 
    and at https://www.skool.com/stroke-recovery-what-now-5916/about

Thank you for being here.
Tracy Markley
#TracyMarkley #MentalFitness #AchieveYourGoals #strokerecovery   #StartAYouTubeChannel #TheHealthAndFitnessShow

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Welcome to The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy.

This episode explores an often-overlooked connection between oral health, brain health, and stroke risk.

Most people think brain health starts with exercise or medication — but research now shows that teeth, gums, and oral inflammation play a role in brain and vascular health.

Gum disease and chronic dental infections don’t stay in the mouth. Inflammation and bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affect blood vessels, and impact circulation to the brain. Studies have linked poor oral health to increased risk of ischemic stroke, vascular brain changes, and long-term brain health concerns.

In this episode, I discuss:
• How oral health affects the brain
• Why inflammation matters for stroke risk and recovery
• What current research is showing
• Practical steps to support both brain and oral health

This episode is part of The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy and is available as both a video and a podcast episode on major podcast platforms.

This information is intended for education and awareness and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.
▶️ This video is educational and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

For More Support for Stroke Recovery, Balance, and Safe Movement

I create educational videos to help stroke survivors, caregivers, and professionals understand movement, balance, and recovery with clarity and confidence.

🔹 Learn more & resources:
🌐 Website: https://www.tracymarkley.com

🔹 Books by Tracy L. Markley:
📘 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

🔹 Community & continued support:
🤝 Membership / Programs: https://www.tracymarkley.com/membership
🎓 Courses: http://www.tracymarkley.com/cec-courses 

Sign up for Tracy's Free Stroke Recovery Newsletter:
https://www.tracymarkley.com/form/newsletter-sign-up

These videos are for educational purposes and are not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any exercise program.

#TracyMarkley
#StrokeRecovery
#BrainHealth
#StrokePrevention
#OralHealth
#GumDisease
#TeethAndBrain
#Inflammation
#BrainCare
#VascularHealth
#StrokeSurvivors
#HealthyAging
#DementiaPrevention

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When Someone Says They’re Lonely: What to Do, and NOT to Do | Holiday Grief, Kindness & Brain Health

Loneliness is one of the most misunderstood emotional experiences, especially during the holidays, seasons of grief, and major life transitions. In this episode, Tracy Markley shares clear guidance on how to respond when someone says they feel lonely and explains what not to do so you don’t unintentionally make their loneliness worse.

Tracy talks about how grief, holiday overwhelm, and emotional overload affect the brain and nervous system. She explains why kindness has a real impact on brain health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. You will hear supportive insights on how loneliness influences physical and cognitive health, how to communicate compassionately, and what real emotional validation looks like.

This conversation is created to help anyone who feels lonely, anyone supporting someone through loneliness or grief, and anyone wanting to understand emotional health in a deeper, more meaningful way. You are not alone, and you do not have to navigate loneliness without support.

 
#Loneliness #HolidayGrief #MentalWellness #BrainHealth #KindnessMatters #GriefSupport #EmotionalHealth #HolidayStress #ConnectionMatters #Compassion #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone #StrokeRecovery #TracyMarkley #HealingJourney #NervousSystemRegulation #HeartHealth #WellnessTools #HolisticHealing #HopeAndHealing #CaregiverSupport #HolidaySeason2025 #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalSupport #BrainFitness #SelfAwareness #HealthyCommunication #HelpOthers #PersonalGrowthJourney

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Welcome to Stroke Recovery: Therapy Ended? Now What? — an educational podcast series by Tracy L. Markley designed to help stroke survivors, caregivers, and professionals better understand the body, the brain, and the recovery process long after formal therapy ends.

Each episode focuses on one essential area of stroke recovery, blending neuroscience, movement education, functional training, safety guidance, and real-life insight from Tracy’s decades of experience specializing in stroke, balance, gait, proprioception, and the brain–body connection.

This series is based on Tracy’s award-winning work with stroke survivors around the world and her book Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends But Your Recovery Continues. Her mission is to empower survivors at every stage — from newly home to years into recovery.

IN THIS SERIES, YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:

• Muscles, biomechanics, and movement patterns
• Proprioception, spatial awareness, and body connection
• Brain injury basics and how to care for the healing brain
• Balance training, stability, and fall prevention
• Walking gait, posture, and leg alignment
• Spasticity, drop foot, bracing, and safety strategies
• Strength training, fascia, flexibility, and mobility
• Memory, vision challenges, reading difficulties, and peripheral vision
• Communication and cognitive struggles after stroke
• Pain management, fatigue, and realistic recovery expectations
• Home-exercise ideas and equipment recommendations
• How to choose the right trainer or recovery professional
• Emotional recovery, confidence building, and support systems
• Neuroplasticity and what improves it
• Caregiver education and family guidance
• And many more recovery essentials throughout the series

No matter where you are in your recovery journey — early, mid, or long-term — these episodes help you understand your body more clearly and provide the tools you need to continue improving safely and effectively.

Website (resources, articles, membership library):
 www.TracyMarkley.com

Amazon Author Page:
 www.Amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Membership Library (workouts, Pilates, balance training, stroke-recovery videos):
 www.tracymarkley.com/membership

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In celebration of National Author’s Day, Tracy Markley shares how writing her very first book completely transformed her life — and how your story has the power to transform yours as well.

When Tracy published The Stroke of an Artist, she had no idea it would lead to speaking opportunities, national recognition, awards, magazine features, media interviews, and collaborations with inspiring people like Elaine LaLanne. What began as one book became the foundation for her entire author journey.

If you’ve ever felt a pull to write but didn’t know where to begin, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that your story matters.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR:

• How writing a first book can open unexpected doors and life-changing opportunities
• The mindset shift that helped Tracy turn passion into purpose and profession
• Why sharing your story creates connection, healing, and legacy
• How to start your own book even if you feel unsure, overwhelmed, or not “ready”
• Why writing is a gift — for the writer and the reader

Your book is more than an idea — it’s your legacy. Your words can inspire, educate, heal, and empower others. If you’ve ever felt called to write, this episode will help you take that first courageous step.

📚 CONNECT WITH TRACY L. MARKLEY

Explore Tracy’s books on stroke recovery, balance, brain health, and inspiring personal stories:

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley
Website & Bookstore: www.tracymarkley.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivate_healthfit

🌟 ABOUT THE TRACY MARKLEY MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY

Looking for deeper guidance on strength, balance, mobility, brain health, stroke recovery, or overall wellness?
 Tracy’s website membership offers education and movement sessions for all fitness levels — not just seniors or stroke survivors.

Inside the membership, you’ll find:

• Stroke recovery education & training
• Balance, walking, proprioception & fall-prevention lessons
• Strength training workouts
• Pilates mat classes
• Stretching & mobility sessions
• Yoga-inspired movement
• Brain health education
• Whole-body wellness tools

Whether you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, fitness professional, or someone seeking better movement and health, this community supports every stage of life.

Join the membership at: www.tracymarkley.com 

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Music is one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — tools in stroke recovery.
In this episode, Tracy Markley explains how listening to meaningful, familiar music can improve cognition, verbal memory, language recovery, emotional regulation, focus, and motivation during stroke rehabilitation.

You’ll learn how the brain responds to your favorite songs, why familiar music activates multiple regions of the brain at once, and how this multisensory stimulation supports neuroplasticity. Tracy also shares insights from neuroscience research and a lecture from a leading neuroscientist whose clinical studies show that personalized music strengthens cognitive processing after a stroke.

This episode includes two powerful personal stories of stroke survivors who transformed right in front of Tracy when listening to music they loved — changes so profound they inspired her to research this topic further and write about it in her book Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends but Your Recovery Continues.

Music is not just entertainment. It’s a healing tool for the brain.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How familiar music activates multiple regions of the brain
• Why your favorite songs stimulate verbal memory and language pathways
• How music improves focus, emotional stability, and motivation
• The role of rhythm in gait, timing, and coordination
• Real-life examples of stroke survivors transformed through meaningful music
• How to use music safely and intentionally during home recovery
• Neuroscience research on auditory–memory pathways and neuroplasticity
• Why emotionally significant music enhances healing and cognitive function

If you or a loved one is healing after a stroke, adding meaningful music to daily routines may provide new progress, renewed motivation, and a powerful emotional lift.

🎙️ ABOUT TRACY L. MARKLEY (AUTHOR & STROKE RECOVERY SPECIALIST)

Tracy Markley is the author of multiple stroke recovery and brain health books, including:

• Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends but Your Recovery Continues
• Stroke Recovery: Regaining Arm Movement
• Stroke Recovery: Leg Stability and Walking Gait
• The Stroke of an Artist: The Journey of a Fitness Trainer and a Stroke Survivor
• Your Brain: The Engine of Your Body – A Fitness Trainer’s Guide to Brain Health
• Balance, Walking & Fall Prevention: A Fitness Trainer’s Guide for Seniors and Pre-Seniors

📚 Amazon Author Page: www.Amazon.com/author/tracymarkley
🌐 Website Bookstore: www.tracymarkley.com

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