Mindful Strength – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode we welcome exercise physiologist Raphael Bender for a conversation about a few popular topics where we often see mixed messages and sometimes even misinformation. If you are a person who loves to learn about how muscles fire, how strength is built, and what current research is saying about certain topics, this is for you!

Kathryn and Raphael talk about how muscles fire and whether or not we need activations in our warm-ups. They also discus the idea of feeling a muscle working and how many people who can't feel muscles working get told they are doing things wrong. They talk about the difference between building muscle and building strength, and why building the strength to lift heavy things is a coordinative skill. They finish the conversation with the topic of pelvic instability, if a pelvis can really be unstable, how this research is conducted and the problems with manual assessment of an area like the S.I. joint.

To listen to Raphael's podcast click here.

To follow Raphael on Instagram click here.

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To learn more about Mindful Strength and our upcoming classes and programs click here!

For inquiries email support@mindfulstrength.ca 

Today we welcome award winning journalist and life long athlete Christine Yu to talk about the menstrual cycle tracking craze that we have seen in recent years. Christine will walk you through the different phases of the menstrual cycle, some of the physiological changes that happen week to week and why these fluctuations can effect our exercise. She also dives into some myths about cycle tracking and why it's not as simple as giving general guidelines like, high intensity around ovulation and stretching during luteal. At the heart of this episode is the importance of cycle tracking as a way to get to your own own body, your unique rhythms, symptoms, strengths and challenges so you can better support yourself through your ever changing menstrual cycle.

To learn more about Christine Yu and her book Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes click here.

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To learn more about Mindful Strength and our online programs click here. Make sure to join our email list to get all our updates!

To follow Mindful Strength on YouTube 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

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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

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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

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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.

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To learn more about Flexia and the Flexia Reformer click here

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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!

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Our next summer retreat is July 20-24 in Eastern Ontario. Click here to learn more about the retreat