Meant to Move – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this engaging conversation, Vanessa Leone and OD explore the multifaceted nature of exercise programming, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body, the emotional aspects of movement, and the need for personalized approaches to fitness. They discuss the balance between routine and variety, the significance of recovery, and practical strategies for implementing change in exercise habits. The dialogue highlights the role of play in movement and encourages listeners to rethink traditional fitness paradigms, making exercise a joyful and integral part of life.

You’ll learn about:

Exercise programming should be personalized and adaptable, and reflect real-life movements and needs.

Emotional well-being plays a significant role in physical performance.

Variety in exercise and small changes in routines can enhance engagement and results.

Understanding individual stressors can inform exercise choices.

Playful movement can reignite joy in exercise.

Our Favourite quotable moments:

Variety in exercise can enhance engagement and results. - Ian

Recovery is as important as the workout itself. - Ian

Playful movement can reignite joy in exercise. - Ian

If 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.soma

FB - /feelsoma

Website: https://www.feelsoma.com

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 interviews Gary Ward, a prominent figure in the fitness industry known for his innovative approach to movement and anatomy. They discuss the importance of understanding the human gait cycle, the role of the nervous system in movement, and practical strategies for improving body awareness and movement efficiency. Gary emphasizes the need for individuals to take ownership of their bodies and explore new movement patterns to alleviate pain and enhance performance. The discussion also touches on the significance of addressing past injuries and habits that affect current movement capabilities.

You’ll learn about:

Movement is a behavior that becomes habitual over time: creating awareness can lead to significant improvements.

Waking up sleepy parts of the body can improve overall movement: self investigation is key to understanding and improving movement

Understanding the gait cycle is crucial for assessing movement efficiency.

The nervous system plays a significant role in how we move and feel.

Practitioners should focus on helping clients find the root cause of their issues: injuries from the past van impact current movement patterns..

Our Favourite quotable moments:

The body is always working at 100%. - Gary

The magic is in the experience of movement. - Gary

Movement is a language we need to learn. - Vanessa

If 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.

Gary Ward

Gary is known for breaking the mould of anatomical thinking and for his creation of the Flow Motion Model. Gary has been featured several times in books, television spots, and many podcasts. Gary lives in Bali, works with elite athletes in the USA and mentors a team of therapists who also look after the athletes. AiM is a global education business that operates online and in person.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyward_aim/

Website:www.findingcentre.co.uk

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." - Ian

If 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.soma

FB - /feelsoma

Website: https://www.feelsoma.com

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 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." - Dave

Resources:

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! 

Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.

About Dave Liow

Dave 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/davekliow

You Tube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5UEWEfZRtjfwrTkhJTJy6w

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 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." - Rhys

If 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 James

Rhys 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’Sullivan

Jesse 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." - Sarah

If 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.com

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 introduces the concept of 'slowgress,' emphasizing the importance of understanding that health and fitness progress is not linear. She discusses how seasonal changes affect our wellness goals and shares her personal journey of recovery post-surgery. Vanessa encourages listeners to reflect on their own wellness journeys and to embrace a more gradual approach to achieving their goals, allowing for both progress and regress.

Takeaways

The concept of slowgress allows for both progress and regress in wellness.

Expecting linear progression in health and fitness can be damaging.

Seasonal changes should influence our health and fitness goals.

Periodization is essential for sustainable athletic performance.

Personal experiences can shape our understanding of wellness.

Listening to your body is crucial for effective training.

Avoid pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion.

Reflecting on personal goals can guide your wellness journey.

Choosing one or two areas to focus on can lead to better outcomes.

Embracing a gradual approach can enhance overall well-being.

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! 

Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Vanessa Leone and Ian O'Dwyer explore the complexities of fitness measurements, emphasizing the importance of context, personal experience, and self-awareness in fitness and wellness. They discuss the role of biofeedback, the significance of language in fitness assessments, and the necessity of understanding pain and movement. The dialogue also highlights the importance of nutrition, hydration, and daily self-appraisal, as well as the innovative concept of mobilizers in movement. Ultimately, they advocate for a more mindful and personalized approach to fitness, encouraging listeners to connect with their bodies and listen to their needs.

You’ll learn about:

Biofeedback and fitness measurements should inform, not dictate fitness journeys.

Language can significantly impact perception and performance: use appraisal instead of assessment to reduce pressure and promote self-awareness.

Nutrition and hydration are critical components of fitness performance: breathing and mindfulness can also enhance fitness experiences.

Daily self-appraisal can help individuals gauge their readiness for exercise.

Mobilizers are essential for addressing fascial tissue and improving movement.

Our Favourite quotable moments:

"It's all about context." - Vanessa

"Language can be very off-putting." - Ian

"We need to ask better questions." = Ian

If 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 your guest 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.soma

FB - /feelsoma

Website: https://www.feelsoma.com

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 entertaining episode Vanessa Leone and her partner, Michael, discuss fitness, nutrition, and personal transformation. Michael shares his journey from being overweight to bodybuilding, emphasizing the importance of protein and fibre. He explains macros and calorie counting, volume eating, and how he balances health with enjoyment of food. They discuss the psychological aspects of dieting, the importance of planning meals, and the role of gut health in overall well-being. Michael highlights the benefits of home cooking and mindful eating, advocating for a balanced approach rather than strict dieting. The conversation is candid, practical, and focused on sustainable, healthy eating habits.

You’ll learn about:

How food relationships are crucial for mental and physical health.

Tracking macros and how it can provide insights into dietary habits.

How protein and fibre are essential for a balanced diet.

Volume eating and how it helps manage hunger and improves nutrition while deprivation can lead to binge eating and unhealthy habits.

Planning meals reduces food waste and saves money.

Our Favourite quotable moments:

"You control what you put in your mouth." - Michael

"Fibre is super important." - Michael

"You need to increase it gradually." - Michael

If 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 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 engaging conversation, Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional foot podiatrist, discusses the critical role of foot health in overall movement and fitness. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how our feet function, the mechanics of walking, speed and technique, and the connection between foot health and core stability. The discussion also covers the differences between muscular and fascial systems in movement, the significance of intentional foot engagement, and the benefits of barefoot training for optimal performance.They explore the benefits of Naboso products, including toe spacers and recovery socks, emphasizing the importance of small, consistent habits for long-term foot health.

You’ll learn about:

How a healthy foot stabilizes, absorbs shock, and transfers energy, and is linked to core stability and pelvic floor function.

The impact of walking speed on cognitive function and overall health.

How muscular movement differs from fascial movement in efficiency of movement.

Footwear choice can significantly affect foot function and health, and transitioning to barefoot footwear should be gradual.

Naboso products stimulate foot awareness, recovery, alleviate foot issues and improve balance.

Our Favourite quotable moments:

"The power of the feet is incredible." - Dr Emily

"We were not designed to wear shoes." - Dr Emily

"Your foot is a sensory gateway." - Dr Emily

If 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 your guest Dr. Emily Splichal:

Dr Emily Splichal, Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist, is the Founder of EBFA Global, Author of Barefoot Strong and CEO/Founder of Naboso Technology. With over 24 years in the fitness industry, Dr Splichal has dedicated her medical career towards studying postural alignment and human movement as it relates to barefoot science, foot to core integration and sensory integration.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dremilydpm/ 

Website: www.thefunctionalfootdoc.com.

 www.naboso.com

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.