Think Fit. Be Fit.

The long year of 2020 has presented an opportunity to be active in our wellness process and to realign our collective values to health and social awareness.  With an emphasis on equality, collaboration and connection Jennifer discusses The Wellness District with her friend and colleague Dr. Lola Capps.   In this episode we discuss wellness on a collective level and how we plan to show up for our community to create ripples of health.    Topics of discussion: Definition of wellness and how to practice it Dr. Lola’s unique chiropractic and nutrition practice in Alexandria Virginia The Wellness District of Del Ray Alexandria, Virginia and collaboration with other providers Aging, wellness and centenarians Dr. Lola’s personal nutrition and thyroid story   Jennifer even shares inside knowledge about muscle testing and regenerative medicine.     The Wellness District https://thezebra.org/2020/09/07/introducing-alexandrias-wellness-district-in-del-ray/ https://www.facebook.com/thewellnessdistrictdel

Legendary neuromuscular physiologist, Dr. David Behm, headlines this exploration of neural adaptation.  The term is ensconced in the fitness vernacular, but what, exactly, does it mean?  Get ready for some true pearls of wisdom, as the team dives into motor control and specificity.  They discuss Dr. Behm’s landmark research paper on intention, and wrap up with some suggestions on how trainers and strength coaches can best serve their clients.  Prepare for enlightenment!  In this episode, you’ll hear about: The concept of neural adaptation Motor unit recruitment Intention and specificity Practical approaches to training Join our study club!  Send a DM to  https://www.instagram.com/fitnessforconsumption/   Glossary   Action potential - The wavelike conduction of a neural impulse along a motor neuron, after continued stimulation of the cell reaches its firing threshold.   Agonist - The prime mover of an action, typically identified as a muscle, but may instead be an externally applied force, or g

The fitness industry has tried to wrongly convince you that checking off a list of exercises is the same as gaining and applying scientific knowledge…   Since you are here, you know that there is something more to gain by thinking for yourself and being empowered by fitness.     Fortunately, This interview with William McNeely is a tell-all on thinking fit and being fit with a god-centered/universal/ view on “Why You Should Exercise, Eat Healthy, and Die Anyway…” This also so happens to be the title of his latest book.   He’s a godly family man that writes with a strong philosophy voice and lifts heavy weights in Uggs.     Buckle up, this is a deep conversation...   If you are a trainer, this episode will be an insight on balancing gym life and family life in a meaningful and spiritual way.   If you are an exercise enthusiast, this conversation will present something more than motivation in personal training and that the idea of hiring a personal trainer just to lose 10lbs is cutting yourself sho

Research, research everywhere, but no one stops to think!  We’re intent on applying evidence-based methods, as we should, but does the evidence in a research study, or an interpretation of a study, always stand up to scrutiny?  Will you simply accept what you read without question, or will you join us on a journey of wisdom through The Fine Print? Join our study club!  Send us a message on Instagram, @Fitnessforconsumption, and let us know what study you would like us to cover and you might just join us on the episode!   Topics discussed in this episode: A kinetic and electromyographic comparison of the standing cable press and bench press (citation below) Dr. J describes the different sections of a research studyThe purpose of methodology; providing a means of objectively answering a research question, without directly determining the outcome  “Ideal mechanical position” What is an MVIC and why is it used? EMG data relevance Thoughts on results between the two conditions Future directions this typ

The fitness industry tried to convince you that a list of exercises is the same as gaining and applying scientific knowledge.  Because you are here, you know that there is something more to gain by thinking for yourself and being empowered by fitness.     This interview with https://www.instagram.com/coachbewk/ (Grant Buchanan) is a tell-all on thinking fit and being fit in a crowded marketplace of influencers and pop-culture nonsense.   If you are a trainer, this episode will be an insight on thinking for yourself and redefining functional training out of a neutral position.   If you are an exercise enthusiast, this conversation will present something more than motivation in personal training and that the idea of ‘being broken’ is flat out wrong and misleading.   If you are an Athletic Trainer or Strength & Conditioning Professional, this episode has some fun anecdotes about worthy certification and educational courses that don’t involve kettlebells and speed ladders.   Jennifer even discusses what

This is the 100th episode!  To celebrate join Jennifer in honoring this work, what that goes into it and the growth all around.   First of all, Thank you so much for even listening to 1 minute of any of TFBF’s episodes.  This special episode covers Jennifer’s lessons learned from publishing 100 episodes, the 2021 vision for TFBF and 2021 Fitness forecast with Kat Zajac of Ascend Cycle and Ascend Lift Lab.   The trends of 2021 might just be the start of taking our strength and health seriously.  We even bring up sustainable meat, the demise of CrossFit and how 2020 was a spotlight on a$sholes.    Please note: Jennifer's audio isn't to our perfect standards in the second half of the episode, but it's still a great episode that will benefit our audience greatly! Links of interest:  the episode on building glutes featuring Kat  https://www.thinkfitbefitpodcast.com/how-jenn-is-training-glutes-and-insights-on-building-muscle-for-women/   Jenn and Kat’s virtual happy hour from August 21 https://www.instagr

The conversation with Dr. Lori Quinn continues, and the group gets right at the heart of the matter.  Do we actually need to apply corrective exercise techniques?  Who wants to be constantly corrected, after all?  Is what we’re seeing error, or normal intra-individual variability?  And by the way, what’s wrong with error?  Maybe it’s really beneficial for self-actualization.  And in this episode, Dr. J and Dr. Quinn get into a friendly disagreement over essential coaching concepts.  Listen in to hear the argument and so much more!   In this episode, we discuss   Demonstrating vs instructing Corrective exercise, is it useful in a fitness setting or should it be in the domain of a clinical setting? The psycho-social implications of coaching   Glossary   Constrained Action Hypothesis - A theory proposed by Gabriele Wulf, Ph.D., in which an internal focus of attention constrains movements, while an externally applied focus results in more efficient and effective motion.    Corrective Exercise - A c

In this installment, Dr. J and GG challenge a guiding principle of personal training, instructing specific, inviolable techniques. Should we enforce movement rules and demand perfection - what’s perfect anyway? - or allow performers to self-organize and explore their own unique solutions?  Joining the conversation is https://www.tc.columbia.edu/faculty/lq2165/ (Dr. Lori Quinn), director of the neurorehabilitation research lab at Teachers College, Columbia University.  Together, they examine whether these conventions are empowering, or abolish our movement autonomy.  After all, whose movement is it anyway?  In this episode:   Different models of motor control Hypotheses on how we acquire skill The concept of corrective exercise Cueing and feedback, how do we use them appropriately? The concept of the movement “bandwidth of error” and discuss what it means to allow our clients to be self-actualized “active learners.”   Glossary   Augmented Feedback - Any feedback that is given to a performer in

The FUN continues as Dr. Juris and Gregory peel away layers of the onion that is functional training.  They change the narrative on what it means to be functional, and explore the various available tools and modalities that can help enhance function.  They conclude by offering practical advice on designing truly functional solutions.  Listen to what lies beneath! In part two of this episode the duo cuts to the chase and gets down to what really matters.   Ask yourself, when it comes to your strength and conditioning program, what actually matters?  Does spending our time performing funambulist challenges result in meaningful improvements in performance?  Or will improving strength, power and endurance ultimately make the difference?  Hint (it’s the latter).   Dr. J and GG introduce work by Dr. Wayne Wescott that supports their perspective.  GG shares a caveat to what makes an exercise functional from his perspective.   Finally the guys wrap up with suggestions on how to successfully incorporate exercises,

One of the beautiful things about golf is that adjusting, learning and respecting the foundations are all constants. This two part conversation dives deep into aspects of golf foundations and unconventional, deep topics about improvement.     In the first episode we discussed the mobility and strength for golf.  In this episode we focus on the real target which is going from confidence in the body to high performance.   This conversation uncovers. Trevor even discusses common mistakes that we make as golf enthusiasts in the attempt to improve our game. Topics discussed:   Mental side of the game Ego, perfectionism and golf Trevor discusses coaching on tour and high level decision making in the game Common myths about golf instruction    If you are a golfer this episode will be an inside look to the mindset of a golf professional who works with players on tour and is a highly sought after instructor.   If you are a strength and conditioning or sport coach or trainer, this episode explores one

It’s time to poke the bear!  In this, the first of a two-part series, Dr. J and Gregory take a critical look at functional training.  They’ll evaluate some of the conventional thinking around the “F” word, turn it upside down and inside out, and present some enlightening research that’ll really make you reconsider your assumptions.  Finally, they’ll redefine what it really means to train functionally. Join Fitness for Consumption in part one of this episode in which they stir up some real controversy.  We explore the emergence of functional training in the fitness world and examine some of the claims and theories of modern day proponents.  Are many of the accepted beliefs regarding functional training supported by credible, empirical science?  Or, do they germinate from the whims and unsubstantiated theories of many current fitness gurus?  To answer this, they dive deep into some research that begins to cast doubt on some of those theories.   Dr. Juris shares some of his real-life experiences encountering

One of the beautiful things about golf is that adjusting, learning and respecting the foundations are constants. This two part conversation dives deep into aspects of golf foundations and golf strength training that are evolving, unconventional and deep topics.   Jennifer’s experience with Muscle Activation Techniques™ influences her approach with golfer’s and strength training for golf and is an inside view to Bryson DeChambeau's recent strength gains.  This inside point of view to one of the hottest topics in the game is not to be missed. They discuss the big topics of strength training, Bryson DeChambeau and the evolution of how the game is approached.   Being athletic and realizing your human potential is special. Jennifer and Trevor even discuss bone health and how ground reaction forces absorb in the body.  Topics discussed: The foundation of training that Trevor uses with his athletes\ The evolution of strength training and golf Mobility and golf Foot motion and the golf swing Bryson DeChambea

Dr. Juris and Gregory continue the exploration of fitness with an insightful discussion of how we solve movement problems, and how we structure our workouts and programs to produce specific, goal-oriented, adaptations.  They wrap things up by suggesting that the best fitness outcomes are the product of an inclusive, holistic, fitness ecosystem. In our previous episode we introduced a new definition of fitness and its constituent parts.  We established that an exercise is essentially a physical problem.  In this episode we look at the other half of the equation; if we’ve got problems, we’re going to need solutions.  Those start with the concept of substrates and why developing them is so critical to our goals. From there, we look at how developing substrates leads to creating system wide adaptations.  Once we’ve adapted, what’s next?   Do we want to set up exercise scenarios where we meet the challenges perfectly or create a specific overload?   Where does variety in our exercise program come in?  Should we

Fitness is as fitness does. Are we really fit?  For what?  In this inaugural episode, Dr. Paul Juris and Gregory Gordon, MA tackle the very notion of fitness, seen through the lens of human movement science.  They offer a new definition of fitness, from the perspective of, “why we move.” What is fitness?  Well, that’s sort of like asking, what is a car or what is a dog?  Of course, you know what it is, and you assume everyone else also knows what you know.  When you start scratching a little bit below the surface, however, you might discover that your definition of fitness differs from those of your colleagues,  friends or family.  Perhaps it’s all about body fat, or how many tires you can flip.  How downward is your downward dog?  How long can you hold your plank?  Maybe it’s not so simple after all. Before we can learn how to get fit, we need to figure out what fitness is in the first place.  That’s what this episode is all about, defining fitness from the perspective of human movement science.  Join us

Welcome to a short solo-cast with Jennifer on Think Fit. Be Fit podcast, where we love the idea of smart exercise, having a strategic mindset and using academic support for choosing our best exercise.  Jennifer introduces a concept that helps her read scientific articles, apply smart exercise with clients and introduce academic concepts on the podcast. We are dedicated to being a breath of empowered air for your fitness mindset.  This episode is a perfect place to start if you are ready to ignore advertisers and listen to your biology!   We can also promise that our exercise glossary is curated with some of the most important concepts in exercise and movement science! ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach dedicated exercise professionals, future trainers, and exercise enthusiasts all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started, schedules@impactyourfitness.net  SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER: Dive deeper with us. Sign up here. We offer a unique view on muscles, portals to new ways to respect the body

Strategy for exercise can make you boundless- but where do we start?  It turns out ‘following party lines’ is relevant and deleterious in exercise too.  The information in this landmark episode of Think Fit. Be Fit. podcast has the potential to completely change the way you view exercise which is a major step in strategically applying the best exercise for your body.     This of course challenges our thinking about exercise, which is our topic today along with the exciting introduction of our second show on TFBF, Fitness for Consumption.  This new series takes on subjects that are used and abused daily in fitness pop culture and at the PhD level are making it more savory and simple for consumption.   Noted kinesiologist, Dr. Paul Juris, and motor learning and clinical specialist Gregory Gordon share more than 50 years of collective knowledge and experience, offering a human movement point of view on all things fitness.  Through their scientifically practical and common sense approach, they’ll cut through

 A sharp mindset is not only helpful in our exercise, but it can also be an edge for the athlete or anyone who loves science with their fitness .  Our guest today is esteemed Physical Therapist, Dr. Seth Blee of Inova Sports Medicine and is the head Physical Therapist for the Washington Nationals and Washington Spirit and recently featured on ESPN in the E60 documentary of Alex Smith of the Washington Football Team. One of the main topics of this episode is Seth's unique approach to Physical Therapy.  You will hear Jennifer and Seth mention some of these techniques such as PNF, dry needling and neuromuscular control used in rehabilitation.   Seth Blee PT, DPT, CFMA, CSCS  has completed extensive continuing education coursework and training and is one of the principal instructors at the Institute for Physical Arts.   If you are a trainer or strength coach, a student, a therapist of any kind this is obviously a podcast for you as Seth is a teacher, manager and learner.  We all can learn so much from him.

Understanding the importance of bodywork and being physically fit for professional sports is something that Kika Mela of Mela Therapeutics and Ki-Ro Core Trainer knows both from her experience as an athlete and working with them for over a decade in South Florida. This episode is an open conversation about her experience that spans finding purpose in retirement, retiring from professional sports with your body intact and Jennifer and Kika even touch on sexual harassment.   Topics discussed:  Physicality of riding a racehorse (hint.. it’s almost impossible for the majority of the population to complete once around the track) Similarities between being a horse jockey and other sports  Finding purpose and bliss after being a professional athlete  Learning about exercise and the body after professional sports Efficient exercise for athletes   ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach dedicated exercise enthusiasts, future trainers, athletes and exercise professionals all over the world. Send us an email to get the co

The exercise industry loves to talk about your goals, and losing weight, or celebrating a hot bod but no one is discussing the things that actually matter – the way we approach and think about exercise.   Most popular fitness models are built on straw man logic and binary thinking that focuses on unimportant knowledge.  In this solocast, Jennifer shares 4 reasons to upgrade your exercise because there is so much more to improving your body than what we’ve been led to believe.  She even shares an exciting announcement about her new co-hosts for season 4! Topics covered: Bypassing the benefits of exercise while you are out there ‘killing it’ The type of exercise that makes it harder to care for our joints What is a healthy muscular system? Attaining knowledge vs Applying knowledge Season 4 announcement   ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach dedicated exercise enthusiasts, future trainers, athletes and exercise professionals all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. SUBSCRIBE TO THE

What can you integrate in 10 minutes to change your health and improve your immune system? Being mindful and present for 10 minutes a day can actualize all the things we want from exercise!  Mindfulness is much more than sitting still.  It’s a way to self lead and become your strongest self. While we can appreciate that science is catching up to the ancient wisdom of mindfulness, pop fitness culture tends to run away with these terms without taking a moment to study its origins nor proven integration techniques.   Today’s guest is an evidence based thought leader in integrating mind-body wellness and has even been at the academic forefront in promoting the health benefits of ancient wisdom for a modern life.   Shirley Archer is an Integrative health thought leader that is internationally recognized and a best selling author.     Topics covered: Eastern wisdom and evidence based Opportunist and vanity marketing and how it has harmed the wellness and fitness marketplace  Mental hygiene and mindfulness