Pursuing Health

When Tarryn Harvey was in her early 20’s, an unexpected heartbreak left her struggling with depression, anxiety, and the early stages of anorexia. A friend helped her recognize she needed help, and connected Tarryn with a personal trainer who eventually introduced her to CrossFit. As Tarryn began lifting weights, she started eating to fuel her workouts, and soon, she began to feel empowered and strong. Her depression started to fade, she reconnected with friends, and she discovered the power of meditation and positive self talk. Tarryn credits CrossFit with saving her life: not only does it help her remain physically healthy, she knows she can count on the community and the workouts help her mentally reset on challenging days. You can connect with Tarryn via Instagram @wildandsassy1 Related Episodes: Ep 161 - An Unlikely Antidote to Anorexia: Becky Fox Ep 56 - Katrín Davíðsdóttir and Ben Bergeron on the Process of Creating a Champion If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Healthcare practitioners speak on what drew them to CrossFit when their colleagues might have said it was dangerous, how the risk of injury in CrossFit compares to other sports, the risk vs. benefits of exercise, the most effective recovery modalities, how we can change the perception of CrossFit in the medical community, and more. You can connect with the featured panelists via Instagram: Sean Rockett, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon @321gomd Kelly Starrett, DPT, The Ready State Co-Founder @thereadystate Amy West, MD, Sports Medicine Physiatrist @amywestmd Jason Garrett, DC, Airrosti Chief Medical Officer @airrosti Related Episodes: Ep 132 - Healing Through Functional Movement with Dr. Amy West Ep 184 - A Neurosurgeon Healing Back Pain with Functional Movement: Dr. David Johnson  If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

After years of experiencing mysterious intermittent pain in his back, Scott Young was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory autoimmune condition that, over time, can cause the bones of the spine to fuse. In this episode, he shares how his physical therapist encouraged him to start CrossFit to improve his movement mechanics, and how, over time, that’s led to his realization that staying moving helps relieve some of the stiffness and pain he experiences as a result of his AS. We also talk about the mental benefits of surrounding yourself with a community that lifts you up, and the importance of focusing your energy on habits that lead to health and happiness in the long-term. You can connect with Scott via Instagram @scottyoungcf. Related Episodes: Ep 180 - Putting Scleroderma into Remission with Katie Spilka Ep 184 - A Neurosurgeon on Healing Back Pain with Functional Movement: Dr. David Johnson If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Jenna Muri-Rosenthal is a speech-language pathologist, certified brain​ injury specialist, and a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer.  As the founder of Fit to Function Recovery, she has blended these areas of expertise into a program that combines functional fitness with cognitive rehabilitation.     Jenna works with survivors of brain injury and strokes, both one-on-one and in a community environment to help them progress their recovery beyond what is typically considered “good enough” in a traditional rehabilitation setting.   In this episode, we talk about the benefits of CrossFit for those recovering from cognitive impairments, how the training community can better serve this population, and resources for those looking for help for themselves or a loved one.   You can connect with Jenna via Instagram @fittofunctionrecovery or via email fittofunctionrecovery@gmail.com. Related Episodes: Ep 207 - From Aneurysm to Recovering Athlete with Vanessa Lew   Ep 124 - Breaking Barriers with an Adaptive Athlete and Coach Kevin Ogar   If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Jen Dudley shares her amazing story of personal transformation.  Her struggles with career anxiety and the stress of nursing school had led to an 80 pound weight gain, and no matter how many times she told her friends and family she was ready to make a change, she always seemed to wind up back where she started, feeling embarrassed for her lack of success.  She finally got the wake up call she needed when a family member became ill.  Jen quietly committed to herself to start a health and weight loss journey that would stick, and over three years she’s lost 75 pounds.  In doing so, she’s avoided chronic disease and medications, and gained a love for CrossFit and a community of friends.   You can connect with Jen via Instagram @jedudley16   Related Episodes: Ep 173 - Small Steps, Big Results: Carrie McCall   Ep 190 - Jess Esch on Treating Yourself with Value If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Dr. Shon Rowan is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  He completed his medical training at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and continues to work there as an Assistant Professor.  He is clinically active in reproductive medicine including infertility and In Vitro Fertilization, and recently led a research study exploring how monitoring pregnant women’s resting heart rate and HRV can provide insights to the fitness changes that take place during and after pregnancy.   Jeff Giosi Memorial WOD Love Like They Will Die Tomorrow with Shon Rowan   You can connect with Dr. Rowan via Instagram @shonromd Related Episodes: Ep 81 - Pelvic Floor Health for Athletes with Julie Wiebe   Ep 126b - Nicole Christensen on Coaching Pregnant Athletes   If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Fran Whitfield is a London based personal trainer who, at age 25, learned she has breast cancer that had metastasized to her brain and was given a prognosis of 2 years to live.  Unwilling to settle for such a grim diagnosis, Fran sought the help of a care team who was willing to fight the disease with her.  She credits her hedge of fitness with helping her recover quickly from brain surgery, and her current fitness routine with protecting her mental and physical health as she manages the side effects of chemotherapy.  Throughout her treatment, Fran has candidly documented her experiences to help spread awareness to other young people.  She hopes that by sharing her journey she can reduce the fear of the unknown that so many people experience as they battle cancer.   I first heard Fran’s story on a panel discussion at the CrossFit Games, and I was immediately struck by her resilience in the face of such a scary diagnosis.  Her mental fortitude as she advocates for herself and keeps her focus on the variables within her control is nothing short of remarkable.   You can connect with Fran via Instagram @franwhitfield Related Episodes: Ep 127 - Fighting Breast Cancer with Barbells: Barbells for Boobs Founder Zionna Hanson   Ep 203 - Scott Britton on Using CrossFit to Battle Cancer   If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Athena Perez is the owner of Scaled Nation CrossFit, the author of the book, Lifting the Wait, and is an advocate for the inclusivity of obese and overweight athletes in the CrossFit community. She has a remarkable transformation story, and she draws on her experiences to support others in need. A survivor of child abuse, Athena has struggled with her relationship with food since the age of 5, but with the help of CrossFit, she’s lost over 225 lbs and reclaimed her confidence.   You can connect with Athena via Instagram @athenamariebt Related Episodes: Ep 69 - From Obese to Beast with John Glaude Ep 179 - ​​Half His Size: Physical Therapist Alan Fredendall on Losing 200 Pounds and Introducing Patients to CrossFit   If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

As a second degree black belt in Taekwondo, two-time New York City marathon finisher, and long-time CrossFit athlete, Vanessa Lew was shocked when she experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm while working out. Thanks to the quick thinking and fast reaction of her CrossFit community, she quickly received the appropriate medical attention, and within weeks was on the road to recovery.   In this episode, we talk about the importance of undergoing regular medical screenings, even for healthy individuals, and the lessons she’d like to share as she’s had to relearn the most basic of skills, from walking to talking. Vanessa also shares her incredible mindset around admiring other’s achievements, but keeping her focus on celebrating her own progress as she continues to recover.    You can connect with Vanessa via Instagram @glenmere67   Related Episodes: Ep 180 - Putting Scleroderma into Remission with Katie Spilka Ep 169 - Jasmine Joy on Taking Control of Multiple Sclerosis   If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Austin Malleolo and James Hobart have been leaders in the CrossFit community for over a decade. Austin is a 7-time CrossFit Games competitor, including two individual finishes inside the Top 10. James is an 8-time Games veteran, including two first place finishes as part of Team CrossFit Mayhem Freedom.   Austin and James are also two of the most prolific CrossFit Seminar Staff Flowmasters, having been a part of  hundreds of Level 1 and Level 2 Seminars, in addition to being experienced affiliate owners.   Austin and James have combined all this expertise, together with fellow Seminar Staff member Spencer Hendel, to develop CrossFit Affiliate Programming, a new resource that CrossFit Home Office is making available to affiliates. CAP provides programming, class planning, and coach development tools to affiliates with the goal of strengthening coaches’ skills and giving CrossFit affiliate members the best experience possible.   In this episode we discuss how James and Austin became so involved in CrossFit, the challenges and lessons they’ve learned from running affiliates, and why they are so passionate about creating resources to support trainers.   You can connect with James and Austin via Instagram @jameshobart,  @austinmalleolo, and @hamplan.  Related Episodes: Ep 77 - Austin Malleolo on CrossFit and Corporate Culture Ep 28 - James Hobart on Teaching, Competing, and the Real Purpose of CrossFit If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns