Meant to Move

In this conversation, Vanessa and Michael explore various aspects of nutrition, emphasizing the importance of fibre, the benefits of black beans and nuts, and the role of micronutrients. They discuss practical tips for incorporating healthy foods into daily diets, the significance of food prep, and the joy of enjoying foods like chocolate. The conversation highlights how small changes can lead to significant health benefits.You’ll learn about:Black beans have more polyphenols than blueberries, making them a superfood.Eating walnuts can lower mortality risk during chemotherapy treatments.Mushrooms can help prevent breast cancer, while Nigella seeds are beneficial for thyroid function and overall health.Caffeine can block the absorption of iron, so timing matters.Creatine is a well-researched supplement with numerous health benefits.Our Favourite quotable moments:Caffeine can block iron absorption. - MichaelAdding joy to nutrition is essential. - MichaelFood prep makes healthy eating easier. - VanessaIf you’re loving the podcast, share with a friend!Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About our guest Michael Fisher:Michael is Vanessa’s partner and shares her ethos of being better. Michael is passionate about food, coffee and the English Premier League club, Arsenal. Michael has been a natural bodybuilder since the age of 21. Michael is an enthusiastic and accomplished home cook and is meticulous and disciplined in the way he plans meals with a balanced approach that is focused on nutritional value, and adequate protein and fibre that all contributes to sustainable and healthy habits, as well as enjoyment of food. Michael emphasises the important role of gut health in overall well being.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mfisher1410/About Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Vanessa Leone and OD explore the concept of fluidity in the body, discussing the importance of fascia, movement, and the lymphatic system. They delve into how emotional health is connected to physical fluid flow and provide practical tips for enhancing fluidity through breath and playful movement. The discussion emphasizes the significance of applying knowledge to improve health and well-being.You’ll learn about:Fascia and fluidity in the body play a significant role in movement and is crucial for overall health.The lymphatic system relies on movement to function properly.Breath through the nose enhances oxygen flow and relaxation.Playful movement and incorporating it into exercise can stimulate fluidity and joy.Knowledge is not enough; application is essential for health benefits.Our Favourite quotable moments:What is fluid in the body? - IanIs it fluid? Is it rhythmical? - IanMovement is the key to fluidity. - IanIf you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review! Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Ian O’Dwyer:Known to many as OD, Ian O’Dwyer’s multifaceted expertise spans the roles of Movement Coach, Sports Conditioner, Personal Trainer, Body Worker, Global Educator, Author, and Mentor. A former semi-professional athlete now based in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, he blends expertise in movement coaching, tissue health, and performance conditioning with a holistic, inclusive approach. As a global educator, mentor, and innovator, he has co-founded industry-shaping organizations like PTA Global and Feel SOMA, challenging conventional fitness philosophies. Ian’s ability to observe, connect, and create immediate change empowers individuals to move with ease and joy. His mission is to shift the focus from limitations to sustainable well-being, inspiring people worldwide to embrace movement as a transformative experience.IG - feel.somaFB - /feelsomaWebsite: https://www.feelsoma.comAbout Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Vanessa Leone speaks with calisthenics coach Yannick Kwai-Pun about the evolution, philosophy, and personal journey within the realm of bodyweight training. They discuss the importance of skill development, overcoming injuries, and the significance of mobility in calisthenics. Yannick shares insights on realistic expectations for beginners and highlights key movements that promote lifelong fitness. The conversation emphasizes the journey of training over the destination, making calisthenics accessible and enjoyable for all ages.You’ll learn about:Skill development in calisthenics is a lifelong journey: focus on the journey, not just the end goal.Mobility is crucial for effective calisthenics training.The press handstand is a blend of strength and skill.The muscle-up is a functional movement with real-world applications.Calisthenics encourages a deeper understanding of body mechanics and can be adapted for all ages and fitness levels.Our Favourite quotable moments:You can still progress even later in life. - YannickSkill development is a lifelong journey. - VanessaThe muscle-up is a functional movement. - YannickIf you are interested in real life movement therapy get in touch with Vanessa.Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Yannick Kwai-PunYannick has a background in Olympic weightlifting and is a strength and conditioning coach who has always been heavily invested in the pursuit of strength in various forms. In 2015, while rehabilitating from a few injuries, Yannick discovered the Ido portal method which slowly pivoted him towards bodyweight strength training. At the end of 2016 he began coaching online, which has had a big influence on what he currently teaches. His main mission is to make skill work accessible to all by breaking movement patterns down in a way that is easily understood and designed to educate and not intimidate.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yankwaipun/About Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this enlightening conversation, Vanessa Leone and Mikayla Foss delve into the intricacies of women's health and performance, emphasizing the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle, the impact of birth control, and the necessity of tailored training approaches. They discuss how to empower women through education and awareness, the significance of building lean muscle, and the benefits of high-intensity training. The dialogue also touches on personal experiences with movement therapy and the importance of listening to one's body throughout different life stages.You’ll learn about:Setting women up for success requires tailored health recommendations.The menstrual cycle significantly impacts women's performance.Birth control can have varied effects on women's health.High-intensity training and building lean muscle is beneficial for women and their long term health.Empowerment comes from understanding one's body and capabilities.Our Favourite quotable moments:We want to set women up for success. - MikaylaIt's about consistency and patterns. - VanessaLong walks are my movement therapy. - MikaylaIf you’re loving the podcast, share on your socials!Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Mikayla FossMikayla Foss is a Senior Performance Coach at Exos in Phoenix, Arizona. Her role consists of creating digital content for the Exos app platform, co-coaching NFL offseason groups, and traveling internationally to educate other coaches on the Exos training system. In recent years, Mikayla has helped lead initiatives around supporting women in work, sport, and life - addressing the underrepresentation of women in medical and performance research. She helps women optimize their training, fueling, and recovery to align with their unique physiology—empowering women to harness their cycle as a superpower.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likeafoss/Exos Online Course:https://exoslearn.inspire360.com/p/harnAbout Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Vanessa Leone and Emma Masters delve into the transformative power of breathwork, exploring its significance in wellness and mental health. They discuss the science behind breathing, the effects of over-breathing, and the importance of CO2 in our respiratory health. Emma shares practical techniques for incorporating breathwork into daily life, the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the practice, and the necessity of finding qualified practitioners. The conversation emphasizes the connection between breath, emotions, and overall well-being, encouraging listeners to explore breathwork as a tool for healing and self-discovery.You’ll learn about:Over-breathing is a common issue in modern society, often linked to stress.CO2 plays a crucial role in our respiratory health and should not be viewed negatively.Practical breathwork techniques can be easily integrated into daily routines and tailored to individual needs.Finding a safe and qualified practitioner is essential for effective breathwork.Breathwork can facilitate emotional releases and healing and enhance performance and energy levels.Our Favourite quotable moments:"Breathwork can help with PTSD." - Emma"There's a breath for that." - Emma"We store emotions in our tissues." - EmmaResources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Emma MastersEmma Masters is an internationally acclaimed fitness presenter, educator, and business owner with nearly two decades of experience in the health and fitness industry. Having held senior roles, including Group Exercise Manager for Virgin Active in both Australia and the UK, Emma has established herself as a leader in the field. Emma is founder of Experience Age Consultancy, a company dedicated to group fitness education + boutique fitness consultancy as well as co-founder of Therapy Fitness, a studio and brand that aims to 'change the feeling of fitness' by focusing on the mental and emotional benefits of movement alongside physical wellness.Instagram:instagram.com/ema_masters instagram.com/therapyfitness_auWebsite:https://www.experienceageconsultancy.com/https://www.therapyfitness.com.au/About Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode, Vanessa explores the concepts of muscle tension and tightness, emphasizing the importance of understanding how our muscles function at rest and during activity. She discusses the impact of stress on muscle tension and provides practical techniques for down-regulating muscle activity to improve overall physical health and reduce pain.TakeawaysAll muscles are always on to a certain extent.Muscle tension can be influenced by stress and fatigue.It's important to learn how to down-regulate muscle tension.Breath techniques can help reduce muscle tension.Feeling tension in the body is common and can be managed.A soft belly indicates proper muscle relaxation.Muscles working too hard at rest can lead to fatigue.Visualization can aid in muscle relaxation.Chronic tension may require professional help.Practicing relaxation techniques can improve movement and reduce pain.Sound Bites"How do we down regulate?"Chapters00:00Understanding Muscle Tension vs. Tightness02:56The Impact of Stress on Muscle Function05:50Techniques for Down-Regulating Muscle TensionResources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Vanessa Leone and Ian "OD" O'Dwyer discuss the importance of fascia in movement, health, and performance. OD explains how fascia, which encases every structure in the body, plays a key role in communication, fluid flow, and force mitigation. They explore the differences between "Viking warriors" (stiffer individuals) and "temple dancers" (more flexible individuals), emphasizing the need for personalized training approaches. The conversation covers common misconceptions about stretching, the impact of hydration on tissue health, and how certain exercises, like box jumps, can affect the body. They conclude with practical insights on optimizing movement for longevity.You’ll learn about:Fascia is composed of 70% water and various proteins; fluid dynamics are essential for healthy fascia function.Tightness in tissues is often a misconception; it's more about hydration and movement.Fascia plays a significant role in communication within the body.Box jumps may not be suitable for everyone and can lead to injuries.Understanding and conditioning the fascial system is key to preventing injuries and crucial to overall health and wellness.Our Favourite quotable moments:"Fascia is the key to your health." - Ian"You can change your bendy body." - Ian"Box jumps can lead to injuries." - IanIf you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review! Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Ian O’Dwyer:Known to many as OD, Ian O’Dwyer’s multifaceted expertise spans the roles of Movement Coach, Sports Conditioner, Personal Trainer, Body Worker, Global Educator, Author, and Mentor. A former semi-professional athlete now based in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, he blends expertise in movement coaching, tissue health, and performance conditioning with a holistic, inclusive approach. As a global educator, mentor, and innovator, he has co-founded industry-shaping organizations like PTA Global and Feel SOMA, challenging conventional fitness philosophies. Ian’s ability to observe, connect, and create immediate change empowers individuals to move with ease and joy. His mission is to shift the focus from limitations to sustainable well-being, inspiring people worldwide to embrace movement as a transformative experience.IG - feel.somaFB - /feelsomaWebsite: https://www.feelsoma.comAbout Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Meant to Move Vanessa Leone speaks with holistic wellness expert Dave Liow about movement, detoxification, and well-being. Dave shares insights from his background in physiology, explaining how toxins from food, water, and the environment affect health. He emphasizes sustainable detoxification through nutrition, hydration, exercise, and gut health while debunking detox myths. The conversation explores holistic wellness principles, including sleep, mindset, and self-responsibility. Dave also shares client success stories and his philosophy on movement as a key to happiness and longevity. Listeners gain practical steps for improving their health through holistic, long-term habits.You’ll learn about:Holistic health encompasses mind, body, and soul; gut health is integral to effective detoxification.Detoxification is essential due to constant exposure to toxins.Identifying and reducing toxin exposure is the first step in detox.Exercise and movement are crucial to detoxification processes by boosting enzymes and promoting sweating.avoid processed ingredients; quality of food and establishing healthy habits are key to long-term wellness.Our Favourite quotable moments:"What goes on you, goes in you." - Dave"You can't outrun a bad diet." - Dave"Movement is life." - DaveResources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Dave LiowDave Liow is a kiwi who traded rain and wind for a life of BBQs and beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Dave is the founder of the Holistic Movement Coach Program which delivers education to health professionals around the world. Dave forged his career in elite sport conditioning alongside a roster of world-class athletes. But he soon found a passion for giving hope for those navigating the labyrinth of chronic pain and injury. Today, Dave is an international presenter, inspiring health professionals to approach health and well-being with a holistic lens with his unique blend of holistic health and cutting-edge movement techniques.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/daveliow101/https://www.instagram.com/holistic.movement.coach/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/davekliowYou Tube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5UEWEfZRtjfwrTkhJTJy6wAbout Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Meant to Move, host Vanessa Leone engages with fitness experts Rhys and Jesse to explore the significance of measurement in fitness and wellness. They discuss personal measurement practices, the importance of aligning measurements with goals, and the mental health implications of tracking progress. The conversation delves into innovative testing methods, beginner approaches to measurement, and the role of enjoyment in fitness. They also touch on key measurements for longevity, such as grip strength and VO2 max, and conclude with thoughts on the future of health measurement and the therapeutic aspects of movement.You’ll learn about:Measurements should align with personal goals.Tracking sleep can significantly impact overall health.Measurement practices & post-goal reflections can lead to mental challenges.Innovative testing methods can enhance fitness assessments.Grip strength & VO2 max: key indicators and predictors of longevity& health outcomes.Our Favourite quotable moments:"What do you actually measure for yourself?" - Vanessa"Measurements all align with goals." - Jesse"You can compete against yourself." - RhysIf you’re loving the podcast, share on your socials!Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Rhys JamesRhys is a highly qualified and dedicated wellness professional with a multidisciplinary approach to knowledge sharing. Passionate about practical learning, he has gained diverse experience, from professional soccer to public health and wellness in leisure settings. Most recently, he served as a Technogym Ambassador and Trainer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Tahiti, supporting surfers and coaches. As Wellness Institute & Community Manager for Technogym Australia, he aims to expand the Technogym Network through education. Rhys has also worked at Technogym’s Headquarters in Italy, experiencing their cutting-edge R&D from concept to launch.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rhysj.94/About Jesse O’SullivanJesse O’Sullivan is an Exercise Physiologist, Online Coach, and Technogym Educator dedicated to better the lives of Australians through healthy living. As the founder of Project U.P., he provides structured coaching programs that optimise strength, endurance, and mental discipline. Jesse specialises in guiding high-performing men through tailored training, nutrition, and accountability systems while also navigating injuries and clinical conditions to ensure sustainable progress. Now expanding into corporate wellness, he helps professionals integrate fitness into their demanding lifestyles to improve performance, energy, and resilience in both work and life.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesse.healthcoach/ https://www.instagram.com/project.u.p/About Your Host:Refer to podcast information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode host Vanessa welcomes wellness consultant and journalist Sarah Zakzouk, who shares her journey from publishing to fitness, specializing in Pilates, personal training, and wellness consulting. They explore the multifaceted world of wellness and fitness, discussing personal journeys, the impact of media, the importance of individualized approaches, and the evolving nature of fitness measurements. They delve into the intersection of journalism and wellness, the challenges of navigating information in the age of social media, and the significance of movement therapy in personal wellness practices.You’ll learn about:How Storytelling plays a crucial role in sharing wellness experiences.Social media provides both valuable information and potential misinformation and can influence perceptions of fitness and wellness significantly.The necessity to critically evaluate fitness information from various sources.How “Clickbait” headlines can distort the true message of fitness articles.Online training can be beneficial but may lack personalized guidance, individualized approaches to fitness is the key to success.Our Favourite quotable moments:"Not everything is about weight loss—focus on wellness." - Sarah"Social media isn’t always fact-checked—question everything." - Sarah"Strength grounds me, Pilates challenges me, swimming heals me." - SarahIf you’re loving the podcast, share with a friend!Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.AboutSarah Zakzouk:Sarah is a Wellness Coach and Consultant, and Founder of Wellness Division. Sarah works with a myriad of client profiles in rehabilitation, strength training, and lifestyle fitness to promote functional movement and longevity. Education is at the heart of Sarah’s ethos, hosting workshops and online courses – ranging from Pilates education to effective communication. She has a Masters in Publishing and extensive experience as a journalist, writing for numerous publications, including Vogue Arabia, Women’s Health magazine, and VICE Arabia. She merges the worlds of physical wellness and the written word in her online magazine, “The Narrative by Wellness Division”.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sarahzakzouk/https://www.instagram.com/wellnessdivision/Website:https://wellnessdivision.comAbout Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.