The Optimal Body

In this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, Doctors of Physical Therapy, interview Julie Sawayah, co-founder of Needed. They discuss the critical gaps in prenatal nutrition, highlighting common deficiencies in standard prenatal vitamins and the importance of optimal dosing and quality ingredients in prenatals. Julie explains Needed’s approach to comprehensive, research-backed supplements for women and men, and emphasizes the role of education in empowering families to make informed health choices, especially within the area of nutrition for women. The episode also covers the expansion into postpartum and children’s nutrition, underscoring Needed’s commitment to supporting women’s health and nutrition and providing evidence based body tips at every stage.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

Julie's Resources:

• Needed Website
• Needed Instagram
• Needed Youtube
• Needed Facebook
• Needed Academy
• Needed Labs

We think you’ll love:

• Get A Free Week on Jen Health!
• Pelvic Floor Foundations Course
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/417

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen PT, DPT and Dr Dom PT, DPT, physical therapy experts, compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT), answering questions from their Jen Health community. They discuss the benefits and challenges of each method, especially for women in perimenopause and post-menopause, and emphasize the importance of individualizing workouts for optimal health. The hosts offer practical advice on balancing HIIT and SIT with other exercise modalities and physical activity, highlight the significance of recovery, and encourage listeners to find an approach that supports their unique health needs and goals to best support overall health optimization.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

We think you’ll love:

• Jen Health High Intensity Plan
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/416

What You Will Learn: 

1:43 Introduction to the HIIT vs SIT topic, social media influence, and relevance for perimenopausal/postmenopausal women.

2:52 Clarifying the benefits of HIIT, addressing misconceptions, and emphasizing not demonizing any exercise form.

3:42 Explanation of Sprint Interval Training (SIT), its structure, and exercise examples.

6:58 Comparison of energy expenditure, session length, and rounds for HIIT and SIT.

08:18 How HIIT and SIT affect bone density, especially for women in perimenopause and post-menopause.

09:56 How hormonal changes...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Gina Conley, founder of MamasteFit, to discuss prenatal exercise and postpartum fitness. Gina shares her personal journey, debunks common myths about exercising during pregnancy, and highlights the importance of tailored movement for pelvic health and pain relief. The conversation emphasizes listening to one’s body, gradual postpartum recovery, and the need for compassionate self-care. Together, they encourage expectant and new mothers to embrace prenatal exercise, challenge outdated advice, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the postpartum body. When it comes to women's health and fitness, specifically prenatal exercise expertise and postpartum movement rehab, there aren't many better than Gina.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

Gina's Resources:

• "Training for Two" Book
• MamasteFit Website
• MamasteFit Instagram
• MamasteFit Youtube
• MamasteFit Facebook

We think you’ll love:

• Get A Free Week on Jen Health!
• Pelvic Floor Foundations Course
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/415

What You Will Learn from Gina:

04:28 Gina shares her first pregnancy experience, lack of resources, and how she started MamasteFit.

07:24 Gina describes forming a supportive community of new moms and developing her fitness programming.

09:54 Discussion...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the benefits and considerations of using weighted vests during walking, especially for individuals in menopause. They discuss how weighted vest walking can help improve bone density, especially for women post menopause, and offer practical tips for safe use. The hosts emphasize that while weighted vests can enhance fitness routines, strength training remains essential for bone health. They highlight that the "best" exercise tends to be the one that you enjoy the most and are able to stay the most consistent with. The episode provides actionable advice for listeners interested in boosting their health through walking and strength training.

Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:

Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get nearly 50% off with code OPTIMAL20. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us!

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

We think you’ll love:

• Strong Healthy Joints Program
• Jen Health Membership Discount
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/414

What You Will Learn:

03:27 Weighted Vests and Bone Density in women surrounding menopause

05:36 Why Weighted Vest Walking is Trending

06:53 Calorie Burn and Weighted Vest Guidelines

08:46 Bone Density Benefits and Research

09:49 Research Study: Protocol and Results

11:03 Comparing Weighted Vest Walking to Strength Training

14:18 Cardiovascular and Calorie Burn Comparisons

16:14 Bone Density: Strength Training vs. Weighted Vest Walking

19:16 Combining Weighted Vest Walking with Strength Training

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom interview Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist, foot health expert, and author of "Sensory Sapiens." They discuss the vital role of sensory awareness—especially through the feet—in movement, emotional well-being, and fall prevention. Dr. Splichal shares practical tips for enhancing sensory connections, highlights the impact of footwear on foot health, and encourages listeners to integrate sensory practices into daily life for improved balance, confidence, and overall health. The episode emphasizes the powerful link between body awareness and holistic well-being at any age.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Sensory Sapiens Book:

Wondering how improving our sensation optimizes our whole body health? Furthermore, wondering how the feet play a pivotal role in this sensory journey? Look no further! Go grab Sensory Sapiens, written by our guest Dr Emily Splichal, and learn how to unlock the secrets of sensation. This book is practically a how-to guide on taking a deep dive in the the sensory abilities stored in your body! Grab your copy!

Items mentioned:

• Sensory Sapiens Book
• Dr. Emily's Naboso Youtube
• Dr. Emily's Naboso Website

We think you’ll love:

• Barefoot Mini Course
• Jen’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

Also related to this episode: foot health, sensory awareness, body tips, physical therapy tips, exercise, optimal movement

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, doctors of physical therapy, discuss how medical diagnoses like "degenerative disc disease" and "chondromalacia patella" can be misleading, unnecessarily alarming, and detrimental to our optimal health journey. They explain that imaging often shows abnormalities in people without pain, emphasizing the importance of focusing on pain management and functional improvement through progressive exercise rather than labels. The hosts encourage listeners to seek education, community support, and conservative treatment options, reminding them that diagnoses and imaging results do not define their health or recovery potential. They want to stress that this is a key tip that can help with health optimization.

Pelvic Floor Foundations:

Want a stronger pelvic floor but don’t know where to start? Our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course guides you step-by-step. Podcast listeners get a discount with code OPTIMAL10. Learn more and sign up today!

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

We think you’ll love:

• Pelvic Floor Foundations
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources go to https://jen.health/podcast/412

What You'll Learn:

2:45 Discussion on how overused diagnoses and imaging can be more harmful than helpful.

3:22 Explaining that age-related changes on imaging are common and not always linked to pain.

4:21 How people identify with diagnoses and the importance of not letting them define you.

6:32 Research shows structural knee changes are common and not always related to pain; term “chondromalacia patella” is outdated.

7:57 Studies show patellar alignment changes on MRI have minimal association with pain or function.

9:53 A listener’s story about anxiety from imaging results and the pitfalls of overemphasizing degenerative disc disease.

11:51 Studies show high rates of disc herniation and degeneration in people without back pain.

14:48 Rotator cuff tears are common...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into the critical first thousand days of a child's life, from conception to two years old. They highlight the importance of prenatal and postpartum nutrition for women's health. Guest speaker Dr. Federica Amati, head nutritionist at Zoe, emphasizes the lasting impact of early nutritional choices on a child's health. She discusses creating a supportive food environment, fostering intuitive eating in children, and the importance of nutrient-dense foods. The episode offers practical health tips for parents to promote lifelong healthy eating habits. Dr Amati is truly a leading voice in advancing women's health and nutrition.

Pelvic Floor Foundations:

Want a stronger pelvic floor but don’t know where to start? Our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course guides you step-by-step. Podcast listeners get a discount with code OPTIMAL10. Learn more and sign up today!

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Dr Federica's Resources and Links:

• Dr Federica's Instagram
• Dr Federica's Website
• Learn More About ZOE
• ZOE Science and Nutrition Podcast
• We think you’ll love:

Free Week of Jen Health Membership

• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/411

Also in this episode: optimal health, health optimization, prenatal nutrition, postpartum nutrition, body tips, women's health and fitness

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore essential foot health topics, focusing on bunions and plantar fasciitis. They discuss the benefits of toe spacers, the importance of foot strength and stability, and how exercise can potentially reverse bunions. They emphasize understanding foot health's role in overall body function and offer practical advice for managing foot conditions. The more we learn about the feet, the more we understand how it impacts our functional independence and health optimization journey. This episode is a must-listen for women looking to enhance their foot health and overall well-being.

Pelvic Floor Foundations:

Want a stronger pelvic floor but don’t know where to start? Our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course guides you step-by-step. Podcast listeners get a discount with code OPTIMAL10. Learn more and sign up today!

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

We think you’ll love:

Pelvic Floor Foundations

Plantar Fasciitis Guide

Jen’s Instagram

Dom’s Instagram

YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, please visit: https://jen.health/podcast/410

What You Will Learn: 

3:05 Discussion on foot health's complexity and its significance in daily life.

6:24 Study findings on how toe spacers can help improve bunions and toe alignment.

7:52 Discussion on foot structure and how traditional footwear affects foot health.

9:49 Addressing the possibility of calming and potentially reversing bunions through exercises.

12:14 Critique of the belief that bunions cannot be changed and encouraging proactive care.

14:39 Beginning the discussion on plantar fasciitis and its underlying causes.

16:46 Emphasis on the necessity of movement in the healing process for plantar fasciitis.

19:10 Techniques for strengthening the foot, including heel raises and toe elevation.

20:15 Importance of analyzing walking patterns and their effects on foot health.

22:25 Advice...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, doctors of physical therapy, welcome Dr. Jessica Knurick, a registered dietitian with a PhD in physical activity, nutrition, and wellness. The discussion focuses on pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, debunking common myths and providing evidence-based guidelines on nutrition for women throughout different phases. Dr. Knurick emphasizes the importance of personalized nutritional support, addressing nutrient deficiencies, and clarifying misconceptions about foods like deli meats, fish, and caffeine. The episode also covers gestational diabetes, formula feeding, and optimizing breast milk supply, aiming to empower women with reliable information for their perinatal journey to achieve optimal health for themselves and their families.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

Dr Jessica's Resources and Links:

• Dr Jessica's Instagram
• Dr Jessica on TikTok
• Dr Jessica's Substack
• Dr Jessica's Blog

We think you’ll love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/409

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into neck adjustments, commonly known as "neck cracking." They debunk myths about spinal alignment, what neck adjustments actually do, and explain that the cracking sound is due to gas bubbles releasing in the joints, not bones realigning. They highlight the temporary pain relief and endorphin release from these neck adjustments, but stress the importance of combining them with exercise for long-term benefits. Emphasizing a holistic approach, they encourage personalized pain management plans and offer alternative methods for those uncomfortable with manipulations. The episode aims to empower women with knowledge for informed health decisions.

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership - Neck Plan:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

We think you’ll love:

• Jen Health Monthly Discount
• Low Back Pain Guide
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full episode show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/408

Also in this episode: body love, health optimization, pain relief strategies, exercise, health tips, physical therapy, neck pain, neck pain relief, mind body connection

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.