Mindful Strength

In this episode Kathryn and Gina talk about perimenopause and why strength training and high intensity interval training (HIIT) are really helpful in this phase of life. Gina also shares quite a bit about pre-exercise fuelling and why starting exercise with extra energy is incredibly powerful. Perimenopause is a confusing time, there's no test to say you are in perimenopause, and it can start earlier than we think. In this podcast you will learn more about why consuming both protein and carbs pre-training is useful, how muscle and metabolism are linked, what true HIIT is, and the importance of progressing gradually to higher intensity. Gina is a strength & conditioning coach who started lifting at 16 and hasn’t stopped. Experiencing how different training in her teens, 20s, 30s, and now mid-40s encouraged Gina to return to school for exercise science, focusing on women’s metabolism. Her mission is to help reshape what is possible as women age, empowering them as they navigate perimenopause. To learn more about Gina, her training and e-book click here. To follow Gina on IG click here. ***** To learn more about Mindful Strength and how you can work with Kathryn, click here.

Our interview with Dr. Stacy Sims was a banger! We got numerous emails and messages from our audience expressing how powerful the conversation was. Kathryn and Chris sat down to recap a handful of the main points that really stood out and give more practical context for those of you wanting to integrate this knowledge further. If you have not yet listened to Ep. 245 go do that now, then come back for this one! To learn more about our upcoming Strength & Conditioning Program beginning April 17th click here. *** For all other Mindful Strength offerings including our membership platform and 1-1 coaching click here.

Today we welcome one of our favourite researchers, teachers and speakers, Dr. Stacy Sims! In this episode Kathryn and Dr. Sims talk about what makes female physiology so unique and why strength and conditioning are essential for longevity. They tackle popular topics like intermittent fasting, 10,000 steps a day, exercising on an empty stomach and the keto diet. Dr. Sims speaks about the importance of heavy loading and multi-directional impact for muscle and bone health, and why yoga and low impact are not enough. They iron out how much protein women in this stage of life need, how to absorb more water without peeing so often, and much more. It was a huge honour to interview Dr. Sims, Kathryn and the whole team are huge fans of her work. *** STACY T. SIMS, MSC, PHD, is a forward-thinking international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who aims to revolutionize exercise nutrition and performance for women. Dr. Sims has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers, several books and is a regularly featured speaker at professional and academic conferences, including those by USOC and USA Cycling. Stacy currently holds a Senior Research Associate position with SPRINZ- AUT University, supervises PhD students, writes academic papers, and is on the advisory board of some cutting edge companies including Tonal Strength Institute, WILD.AI, and EXOS. She also has her own business (www.drstacysims.com) where she creates and delivers online learning material focused on women training with their physiology across the lifespan. Click here to follow Dr. Sims on Instagram *** To learn more about how you can work directly, with us we have an upcoming program beginning April 17th on Strength & Conditioning click here to learn more.

In this episode Dr. Caitlin Casella and Kathryn talk about what osteoarthritis is, and how you can use progressive exercise to help manage pain, inflammation, and feel more robust in daily life. Most of what we have been taught about osteoarthritis relates to "wear and tear" but as you will learn in this interview, there's so much more to the story. Main points you will learn about... You can follow Caitlin on Instagram here. Learn more about her work by clicking here. Caitlin Casella is a physical therapist in New York City. After a 14 year career teaching yoga and mentoring yoga teachers, Caitlin transitioned into other systems of holistic movement, somatics, strength and conditioning. Through this evolution, she experienced firsthand how beneficial strength training and cardio conditioning can be—not only on a physical level—but mentally, for emotional stability, pain management, and a confidence boost that extends beyond physical endeavors. *** To learn more about Mindful Strength, our weekly online classes, online strength programs and 1-1 coaching click here! *** If you enjoyed this podcast consider leaving us a review on Apple, or sharing the podcast with friends online. We appreciate your support!

Dr. Stephanie Carter Kelley is back on the podcast this time for a conversation about lower back pain, pain science, the multi-factorial nature of pain and how culture deeply effects our pain experiences. Stephanie takes a truly holistic approach to treating pain, as a movement teacher and clinician. This episode will have you reflecting on pain in more nuanced ways and understanding how fear and avoidance influence pain. To listen to Stephanie's first episode on osteoporosis, Ep. 214 click here. To learn more about Stephanie's work and courses, click here. To follow her on Instagram click here. *** To learn more about Mindful Strength and how you can work with Kathryn, click here!

In this episode Kathryn and Trina talk about shifting from lighter weights and bands to coaching clients using heavy weights and barbells. Both came from yoga/pilates and have been incorporating strength training into their classes and programs for years. They talk about why building strength and progressing to heavier weights is highly beneficial, even if it seems a bit scary at first. Trina also shares about how her training and nutrition have changed through her 50's and into peri menopause. Trina Altman is a movement educator who helps teachers tap into their own brilliance and understand how to break the rules, so they can create new and inventive exercises and classes to meet their students’ needs. Trina is the author of Yoga Deconstructed, a trainer, and the creator of online courses that can be found on her website. To learn more about Trina, her book, courses and work click here. *** To learn more about Mindful Strength and how to work with Kathryn click here.

Today we welcome one of Kathryn's mentors, Dr. Scotty Butcher back to the podcast for a conversation about energy systems. Every time you move, your body is using and re-synthesizing energy. Learn where that energy comes from and why high intensity exercise has metabolic and muscle building benefits. Scotty will help you understand aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, balancing strength and conditioning, and what is actually fuelling your training. You will also learn why mid-workout rest breaks are vital to replenish energy in order to feel successful and efficient in exercise. To learn more about Dr. Scotty Butcher click here. To listen to Scotty's first interview (ep. 172) click here *** To learn more about Mindful Strength, our online classes and practice deck click here.

Ginny MacColl is a competitive swimmer, American Ninja Warrior, and all around incredible athlete. She is famous for learning her first pull-up at age 63 and continues to become the strongest version of herself now, in her 70's. Ginny talks about getting into strength training after retiring and the incredible effects she experienced including reversing osteopenia, developing muscle mass and feeling even more resilient than in her younger years. This podcast will help you remember that it's truly never too late to start. Strength can be built at any age! To learn more about Ginny click here to see her Instagram *** To learn more about Mindful Strength online classes and programs click here

Join us in welcoming Jules Mitchell back to the podcast for the fifth time! Time this Kathryn and Jules tackle a few of the most misunderstood topics related to strength and movement. Jules talks about the adaptations needed for strength to be built, and why understanding this piece is vital to success. Kathryn and Jules also discus the topics of over stretching (and why it's not really what we thought it was), engaging muscles during exercise, and the most forbidden movement, loaded spinal flexion. To learn about our new online course called Strength 101 click here!! (early bird pricing ends Sept 24!)

This week on the podcast we welcome movement teacher and pro-aging educator David Wilson for a conversation on possibilities at every age. David shares insights on the difference between anti-aging and pro-aging, as well as internalized ageism and how these all show up in the movement/exercise space. David also talks about how participants can set goals based on making movement interesting, creative, intriguing and progressive. To hear David's previous podcast episode 202 click here To follow David on Instagram click here *** To learn more about the All Access Bundle and save 35% on our upcoming programs click here

In this episode Chris interviews Kathryn on how she got into strength training, what the transition out of Ashtanga yoga was like and where things are at today. She talks about the insular nature of her original yoga studio and why she felt it necessary to break the mold in her own classes. Throwback to the days before resistance bands were everywhere! From Ashtanga to competitive lifting Kathryn has experienced over a decade of movement education and helping people at all stages of life. Learn more about Kathryn's journey and why she is so interested in helping people build strength. To learn more about Kathryn's online Mindful Strength Classes click here To learn more about the Practice Deck click here

This week on the podcast hear from the dynamic duo behind Mindful Strength in this engaging and personal podcast. Kathryn and Chris tackle 10 intriguing questions that will give you insight into their interests and passions. Find out what they're currently training for, their go-to podcasts, delicious recipes they love to cook, and why they are passionate about supporting small businesses. Don't miss out on this fun and informative opportunity to get to know the team behind Mindful Strength. To learn more about weekly Mindful Strength online classes click here. To learn more about our quickly approaching Summer Retreat click here. Have a question or want to reach out? Email us at support@mindfulstrength.ca

Today we welcome Kaleen, mechanical engineer, teacher, founder and CEO of Flexia. Kaleen shares her story of transforming her knee pain with exercise which led her to her passion for Pilates, becoming a teacher, and designing an entirely new reformer. Kathryn and Kaleen discus why mainstream fitness can sometimes chew people up and spit them out, and why progressive strengthening is the key to enjoying daily life. *** To learn more about Flexia and the Flexia Reformer click here *** To learn more about weekly Mindful Strength classes (including Pilates inspired classes on our platform) click here.

Listener question: I know consistency is important for strength, but I also like to work on new goals and do your different programs. How much novelty can I add to my routine, but still be building strength? In this episode Kathryn and Chris talk about the balance of sticking it out, clarifying your goals, and keeping things novel and fresh. They consider linear programming vs. periodization and why it can be ok to work on one goal for a few months before shifting to another. A few tips are to figure out what the foundation of your practice is, keep that consistent, but have fun with other classes/programs on other days. To learn more about our weekly classes and membership click here! *** Our next summer retreat is July 20-24 in Eastern Ontario. Click here to learn more about the retreat

We love Shanté Cofield and everything the Movement Maestro has to offer! In this interview Kathryn and Shanté talked about the benefits and challenges of showing up online, using apps like Instagram for business, and self regulation in the time of tech. If you have been wondering how you can show up online with more confidence, authenticity, less fear or anger this is a great episode. Social media is a great tool, but left unchecked can feel more like chaos than connection. Shanté is also a gifted speaker and someone we really admire. Even if you aren't running an online business this episode is a great listen. Shanté has been on the podcast before (Episode 143). To learn more about the Maestro click here! *** To learn more about Mindful Strength classes click here *** To order the Mindful Strength Practice Deck click here

If you have been taught that strength and mobility are opposites, this is a great podcast to listen to. Strength done properly doesn't limit you mobility. The two can go hand in hand, especially when you consider end range strengthening. Say goodbye to avoiding the end ranges or feeling weak and shaky in deep positions. Capacity can be built in any position, although a bit more challenging in the end ranges, it's a worthwhile endeavour if your goal is a healthy balance. Hypermobile? Feeling really stiff? This is something in this episode for you. To learn more about our weekly Mindful Strength classes click here!

Most of us think of recovery as something that happens after exercise is over. You have a good meal, get some sleep and voila! When it comes to weight training and building strength (think deadlifts, squats, pull ups, push-ups) resting in the middle of your sessions is absolutely necessary. Your anaerobic energy systems actually require minutes of rest to fully recuperate, which is really different from aerobic energy systems. In this podcast Kathryn and Chris will teach you about rest within the strength practice, and what happens if you don't prioritize this essential element. To learn more about Mindful Strength classes and strength programs click here. Our next retreat is happening July 20th in Eastern Ontario. Come work with us in person!

In this episode Kathryn and Chris talk about the benefits of following a strength program, if strength is your goal. Building strength is like baking a cake, unless you are a very experienced baker, it's useful to follow a recipe. Programs are like recipes for strength, and yes, they can be customized. We know so much about human adaptation and programs really help guide us through safe and effective training. Want to join our next program called Handstands and Pistols Club? Click here to learn more! New to Mindful Strength? We offer 7 free sample classes, click here to visit our website and add your name and email when you see the pop-up. Have a question or comment? Email us at support@mindfulstrength.ca

Today Kathryn and Chris talk about why load is love, especially for those areas of the body where issues tend to arise (low back, knees etc...) After posting a deadlift video Kathryn received the question "doesn't that put a lot of load on your back?" to which she responded... YES, that's why I'm doing it. When it comes to safety we are only taught what to avoid, as opposed to what we can do in order to prepare. In this podcast we also talk about pain, and how to build discernment during intense movement. To learn more about our upcoming strength program for Handstands and Pistol Squats, click here! (all levels are welcome) To learn more about our weekly Mindful Strength classes click here.

We are back after a long break! Our house went under renovation, Kyle is back in school, and after reorganizing most aspects of life, we are back in the zone. To learn more about Mindful Strength Click here! Podcasts will be released on Friday's. You can look forward to episodes with Kathryn and Chris, as well as guest interviews. Follow the show to get new free episodes weekly, and don't forget to scroll back through the treasure trove of archives.