The Optimal Body

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 Together, they encourage expectant and new mothers to embrace prenatal exercise, challenge outdated advice, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the postpartum body.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" BookMamasteFit WebsiteMamasteFit InstagramMamasteFit YoutubeMamasteFit FacebookWe think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Pelvic Floor Foundations CourseJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/415What 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...

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 ProgramJen Health Membership DiscountJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/414What You Will Learn:03:27 Weighted Vests and Bone Density in women surrounding menopause05:36 Why Weighted Vest Walking is Trending06:53 Calorie Burn and Weighted Vest Guidelines08:46 Bone Density Benefits and Research09:49 Research Study: Protocol and Results11:03 Comparing Weighted Vest Walking to Strength Training14:18 Cardiovascular and Calorie Burn Comparisons16:14 Bone Density: Strength Training vs. Weighted Vest Walking19:16 Combining Weighted Vest Walking with Strength Training

Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist and author, dives into the fascinating connection between feet and overall health. She discusses how sensory awareness impacts movement and emotional well-being. The conversation highlights the importance of mindful practices like toe spreading for trauma recovery and advocates for minimal footwear to enhance sensory perception. Dr. Splichal also explores how sensory experiences influence muscle function and stress management, emphasizing holistic approaches to better health and longevity.

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 FoundationsJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources go to https://jen.health/podcast/412What 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...

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 InstagramDr Federica's WebsiteLearn More About ZOEZOE Science and Nutrition PodcastWe think you’ll love:Free Week of Jen Health MembershipJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube Channel For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/411Also in this episode: optimal health, health optimization, prenatal nutrition, postpartum nutrition, body tips, women's health and fitness

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 FoundationsPlantar Fasciitis GuideJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, please visit: https://jen.health/podcast/410What 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...

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 InstagramDr Jessica on TikTokDr Jessica's SubstackDr Jessica's BlogWe think you’ll love:Free Week of Jen HealthJen’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/409

Delve into the truth behind neck adjustments and their misconceptions. Discover the surprising ways spinal manipulations can affect pain perception. Learn about the broader benefits of manual therapy while challenging outdated beliefs. Explore alternative techniques for neck pain relief, such as gentle mobilizations and breathing methods. The discussion also touches on a study linking manipulative care to significant improvements for tension headaches. It's an insightful examination of neck care that promotes informed decisions on treatment options!

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into hormone health with guest expert Dr. Greg Brannon, an MD specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Dr. Brannon discusses the critical roles of testosterone and estrogen in overall well-being, addressing the alarming decline in testosterone levels due to environmental factors like plasticizers. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to health, covering sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and hormone restoration. Dr Brannon emphasizes how hormone replacement therapy is vital to optimal health for men and women in today's modern society. The episode offers valuable insights for women seeking to optimize their health through informed choices and proactive care.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!Dr Brannon's Resources and Links:Optimal Bio WebsiteDr Brannon's InstagramOptimal Bio Youtube ChannelFree Hormone HandbookWe think you’ll love:Free Week of Jen HealthJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full episode show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/407Also in this episode: hormone replacement therapy, women's health and nutrition, testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy, menopause, women's health and fitness, health tips

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, answer listener questions on physical therapy, body mechanics, and pain management. They debunk myths about bunions, joint alignment, and tight hip flexors, emphasizing the importance of strength, mobility, and proper footwear. Doc Jen highlights the benefits of barefoot shoes for foot health, while Doctor Dom clarifies misconceptions about the sacroiliac joint. They also discuss pain sensitization and the complexities of hip issues, advocating for a holistic approach to understanding and treating pain.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!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!Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:Don’t miss out! We are having a massive discount on our Annual Membership on Jen Health! As our podcast listener, you’ll get the best discount of all using code OPTIMAL10 at checkout! Looking for real solutions for those tight hip flexors.... This is it! If you’ve been considering getting started on one of our 12 Therapy Plans, now is the time! You’ll get over a 50% discount when you use OPTIMAL10 to start your free trial of the Annual Membership. Come move with us!We think you’ll love:Jen Health DiscountBarefoot Mini CourseJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelHead to this link for full show notes and resources: https://jen.health/podcast/406Also related to this episode: hip flexors, exercise, rehab exercise, bunions, si joint, si joint pain, pain relief, mobility