Movement Upgraded Podcast

If you've ever caught yourself worried that you're "cheating" in your exercises when you modify a movement or use assistance, then this episode is for you. Dr. Jen breaks down where that belief comes from — and why it might actually be holding you back. We'll talk about: Why the fitness world equates "harder" with "better" (and what that mindset costs you) How to know if you're truly compensating or actually supporting the movement in a smart way Three questions to help you know when a movement change is smart — not 'cheating.' Want help applying this to your training? Check out ways to work together at jenhosler.com.

Injuries can shake your confidence and leave you feeling stuck, but what if staying active could actually help you heal faster? In this episode, we'll dive into why movement—no matter how small—can be a game-changer during injury recovery. From circulation to mental strength, find out how to keep your body in the game while you heal. Tune in to learn how to stay strong, both physically and mentally, even when you're sidelined. Need help navigating your recovery or staying active through injury? This is exactly what my consults are for. Let's work together to create a plan that keeps you moving and healing stronger, no matter the setback. https://jenhosler.com/monthly-coaching/

We often focus on muscle tissue when it comes to pain, but this can lead us down the wrong path. In this episode, I'm talking about how this muscle fixation can make us assume the muscle is always the problem—and why that's not always the case. I'll walk you through how asking the right questions and looking deeper into the movements that reproduce the pain can help you find the real culprit. Sometimes, it's not the muscle—it's something else. Tune in to find out why digging a little deeper can make all the difference.

In this episode, Dr. Marcia joins Dr. Jen in a conversation about the learned rules and identities we all have surrounding movement and fitness. Dr. Marcia Dernie (she/they) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, accessible yoga teacher, child of Haitian immigrants, dancer, and chronically ill strength athlete. Their book Movement for Every Body serves as an inclusive roadmap for folks of all abilities, shades, and sizes to enjoy movement. She also provides free and affordable online resources to help folks move better through her platform @MoveWithMarcia.

Mobility loss doesn't just sneak up on you with age — it's also often a result of how we move (or don't) for long stretches of time due to things like an injury, temporarily wearing a cast, surgery or injuries that leave scar tissue. In this episode, I break down these sneakier reasons people lose mobility and how those things can be a culprit of nagging injuries and pain down the road from compensations. We can always work to regain mobility lost, but it is much easier if we start early!

A lot of the people I work with think they're resting — but what we often find is that their bodies aren't truly getting the recovery they need. Either they're not shifting into a parasympathetic state (mentally still "on" or stressed), or they're still exposing their bodies to the same loads that are contributing to their pain or symptoms. In this episode, I'm breaking down what recovery really needs to look like, how to know if you're missing one (or both) pieces, and why under-recovery can quietly lead to undertraining, setbacks, and stalled progress — even when it feels like you're doing everything right.

In this episode of The Movement Upgraded Podcast, we discuss the progress you can't always see or measure and how it is just as important as the visible stuff. We often get caught up in the idea that progress should be linear and obvious– like running further or lifting heavier, but the small shifts—like noticing your jaw is clenched, not spiraling during a bad pain day, or adjusting your exercise instead of abandoning it when something feels off—are the ones that truly make a difference. Tune in for some reminders that will highlight that you're probably doing better than you think.

In this episode, I dive into the way urgency, fear, and a need for control often lead us to over-respond when we're dealing with pain or discomfort, and how that can actually lead to emotionally-driven decisions that hinder healing. I'll also discuss the spectrum of responses to pain—from over-responders to under-responders—and offer some reflection questions to help you understand your own behaviors. Most importantly, I share why cultivating trust in your body's ability to heal (with time) is the key to recovery. Plus, I touch on how internalized ableism can fuel this urgency and why we need to rethink how we approach pain and recovery.

A year and a half ago, I made a big decision to move back to Indiana—and with it came massive changes, both personally and professionally. In this episode, I'm sharing what I've learned since the move, from unexpected challenges to moments of deep gratitude. We'll talk about how this transition has shaped my confidence, decision-making, and understanding of what I truly value. Plus, I'll unpack the mindset shifts that have helped me navigate doubt, change, and the inevitable "what ifs" that come with making a big life move. If you've ever considered a major change or struggled with trusting yourself in big decisions, this one's for you!

As the weather gets warmer, it's easy to get excited about running again—but it's important to make sure your body is physically prepared for the demands. Strength training and making sure you SLOWLY build your running volume and intensity is key to avoiding a nagging pain or injury. Tune in to this episode to learn how to do exactly that. Book An Assessment: https://jenhosler.com/monthly-coaching/ Longevity Lab: https://jenhosler.com/longevity-lab/

Ever had a client push back on your approach or seem stuck in a fixed mindset about their body or injuries? It's tough—but not everyone is ready for change at the same time. In this episode, we're talking about how to navigate client resistance without creating defensiveness, why you shouldn't pour all your energy into "fixing" their mindset with lectures, and how to build trust so they're more open to trying new things down the road. Tune in to learn how to meet your clients where they are while still guiding them toward growth! Mentorship Consultations: https://jenhosler.com/mentorship/ Movement School Waitlist: https://jenhosler.com/movement-school/

A diagnosis can be helpful & validating, but it can also become a mental roadblock. Too many people get stuck in the story they've been told (or the one they've created) about their diagnosis, and it ends up limiting their movement, training, and progress more than the actual issue itself. Not to mention it can also create some additional tension and pain around the area, too! In this episode, we'll talk about the sneaky ways a diagnosis can hold you back, how to recognize when it's happening, and how to shift your mindset so it stops controlling your decisions. If you've ever caught yourself thinking 'I can't do that because of my [insert diagnosis],' this one's for you.

If you've ever had a client who was afraid to return to an exercise after tweaking something, you know how challenging it can be to rebuild their confidence. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 powerful questions to help you understand where their fear is coming from, challenge any unhelpful narratives they might be holding onto, and guide them back to movement safely and confidently. We'll dive into the details of what to ask, why it matters, and how to use their answers to make adjustments and offer tailored support. Whether they're worried about re-injury, unsure about their body's capacity, or just stuck in their head, these questions will help you support them through it. If you're a coach who wants to help clients get back to training without fear, this episode is for you! Movement School: https://jenhosler.com/movement-school/

In this episode, I'm giving you a peek into my brain and sharing the key information I a work with clients to identify that help them make smarter decisions about their training and guide their programs. A huge misconception about rehab is that it's just about handing out exercises for something like low back pain. But the truth is, 10 people with "low back pain" can have 10 different types of pain profiles, making their experiences and rehab approaches completely unique. I'll walk you through the details I track that help us "profile" the "personality" of your pain and how I use that to guide my clients' rehab & training decisions. This episode will give you the insights you need to track progress and make better decisions for your training and rehab!

In this episode, we're talking about the sneaky signs of poor recovery that are easy to overlook, and why many of us try to outthink our current state. I'll walk you through a couple of acronyms to help you check in with your recovery, spot the signs you might be missing, and assess the factors that could be contributing. Using these strategies can help you stop ignoring those recovery red flags and start addressing them (or adjusting your workout intensities). Give it a listen if you're feeling frustrated with your recovery!

You've probably heard that certain exercises or positions put too much "strain" on your joints, ligaments, or muscles—but is that really a bad thing? In this episode, I'm breaking down why avoiding so-called "dangerous" positions can actually make you more prone to injury, not less, and how to spot social media content that is serving a side of fragility (without intending to). We'll be covering: ✅ Why being in a mechanical disadvantage isn't a reason to avoid a movement (it's actually a reason to train it!) ✅ How your joints, ligaments, and muscles adapt to load—and why stressing them isn't inherently dangerous ✅ The importance of training at all positions (especially the ones where injuries actually happen) ✅ Red flags to look for when providers or trainers say "don't do this because it loads X" Bracing Basics Workshop: https://jenhosler.com/bracing-basics-workshop/

Most people want to move well and maintain their physical independence as they age - but how do you actually become that person? In this episode, I'm breaking down the three key traits that I believe define people who move well for life - and, more importantly, how to turn those traits into actionable habits. Spoiler: this isn't just about 'do your CARs and lift heavy.' We're digging deeper and going beyond the basics.

Bracing/ learning how to manage your IAP (intra-abdominal pressure) is one of the most fundamental skills for lifting and movement, but it's often overcomplicated or misunderstood. In this episode, I'll break down the overview of my simple, actionable framework for mastering bracing without the noise or fearmongering you might see in the industry. Plus, we'll talk about letting go of perfectionism and why bracing doesn't have to look "aesthetic" to be effective. Whether you're a coach or just looking to improve your lifts, this episode will give you the tools to brace better and move with more confidence. If you want to learn more about bracing and how to actually implement this, join my workshop happening next month! https://jenhosler.com/bracing-basics-workshop/

Bracing is one of the most misunderstood components of lifting, and the consequences of getting it wrong can show up as pain, strength plateaus, or even leaking during your lifts. In this episode, I'm breaking down the three most common mistakes I see when it comes to bracing. I'll share why these approaches are missing the mark and some of the ways I address this with clients. If you want to take your training to the next level (or avoid tweaking your back… again), this episode is for you! PS - If you love this content and want to learn more about how to brace better for your lifts, join the waitlist for my Bracing Basics Workshop! https://jenhosler.com/bracing-basics-workshop/

The fitness industry is always evolving, but what trends are actually worth paying attention to? In this episode, I'm sharing 5 trends I predict will shape 2025, all through my lens as a physical therapist & strength coach. From the rise of spine training and plyometrics to the growing focus on longevity and movement quality, I'll dive into what excites me, what raises concerns, and what these shifts mean for how we train and rehab. Whether you're a coach, trainer, or movement enthusiast, this episode will give you insight into where the industry might be headed.

Ever look back and realize you used to believe some things that now make you cringe? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on 5 fitness beliefs I've completely changed my mind about over the years—and what I've learned along the way. If you're ready to rethink some of the "rules" you've been following, this episode is for you!

Unfinished business and unmet goals aren't something to be ashamed of—they're something to expect when pursuing any big goal. In this episode, I reflect on a goal that's been hanging out on my to-do list for years (and why I'm not even mad I haven't achieved it). I'll share why pausing, reassessing, and just hitting play again is often better than chasing a "fresh start." If you'd rather gouge out your eyes with a rusty spoon than reflect on your unmet goals, this episode will help you reframe those efforts and move forward—without shame, urgency, or the urge to burn it all down and start from scratch.

This year was a big transition year for me personally, as I got settled into our house in a new state and adjusted to role changes between my husband and I. I found myself continually experiencing frustration with my own abilities and general timeline of things I was working on. I discovered how much of it came from unspoken 'shoulds' and unrealistic expectations I didn't even know I had- something that I've found often drives a lot of people's frustrations with their own journeys- rehab, fitness, & beyond. In this episode, I'm sharing the biggest lessons I learned about recognizing those patterns, accepting reality, and letting go of the constant need to fix or change everything.

Not all advice is created equal—especially when it comes to fitness and rehab. In this episode, I share the 3 types of people you should be cautious about taking exercise advice from (including surgeons). I'll explain how bad advice can reinforce fear, prevent progress, and add unnecessary barriers to movement—at a time when most people already aren't meeting basic activity guidelines. We'll dive into the Dunning-Kruger effect, why correlation doesn't equal causation, and how a lack of understanding of how our bodies adapt can lead to misguided recommendations. Plus, I'll share practical tips for spotting bad advice and how to know when it's time to get a second opinion. If you've ever been told to "never squat again" or "avoid lifting heavy," or that you should quit your favorite activity, this episode is for you. Your body is not fragile, and you deserve better advice that helps you move better, feel stronger, and are empowered- not limited.

Comparison is often labeled as the thief of joy, but what if it could actually be a powerful teacher? In this episode, I tackle the role comparison often plays in a rehab or fitness journey—whether it's looking back at what you used to lift, comparing your progress post-injury to your past self, or feeling stuck when you see someone else moving better or achieving more. I'll share why comparison itself isn't the issue; it's how we respond to it that matters. You'll be walking away from this episode with strategies to approach comparison in a way that supports, rather than hinders, your goals for fitness longevity and sustainable progress.

Breathwork isn't just about mindfulness—it's a skill you can train, just like strength or mobility. In this episode, we'll dive into why your breathing patterns matter for movement, performance, and recovery. Learn how to train your breath to improve rib cage mobility, support your spine, and optimize your intra-abdominal pressure. If you've been focusing only on relaxation, it's time to take your breathwork to the next level. Tune in for actionable tips to start training your breathing today!

Powerlifting has shaped much of mainstream fitness, but is it truly the best approach for health and longevity? In this episode, we examine how powerlifting principles—designed for a sport—have been widely adopted in fitness programming and why this can sometimes lead to injuries and other barriers to longevity in fitness. While powerlifting offers incredible value as a sport, it may not always align with long-term health goals. Tune in to explore smarter programming, the common issues I see in powerlifting programming, and how to implement powerlifting principles without compromising recovery or longevity.

In this episode, we dive into why adductors are often overlooked in fitness training and how their strength is crucial for lower-body stability, injury prevention, and movement efficiency. We'll discuss common issues that arise from weak adductors, like hip or pelvic pain or even incontinence and leaking issues, and review exercises and stretches to consider that go beyond your typical adductor rock-back or Copenhagen planks. Tune in to learn how incorporating adductor-focused training can help you move better, lift stronger, and mitigate injuries.

Ever wonder why pain or discomfort can pop up after stress has subsided? In this episode, we're diving into the lingering impact of stress on the body and why symptoms can sometimes worsen after the stressful moment is over. We'll explore how delayed stress effects show up in your body, how to help mitigate those effects, and how to be proactive about them in the future. If you're feeling the effects of recent events like the US election, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked advantages of incorporating a lower intensity mobility practice into your fitness routine. While I often discuss the importance of intensity and progress for adaptations, lower intensity sessions have a lot to offer, too. They can help you to stay active without the pressure of high-intensity workouts and are often a great option when your recovery is not up to par or you don't have access to a gym. Lower intensity mobility work can actually help improve your recovery. Listen to the episode to learn how all the other underrated benefits! My Mobility Membership: https://jenhosler.com/mobility-membership/

What happens when your entire sense of self hinges on a single workout or form of movement? In this episode, we explore the hidden risks of a one-dimensional fitness identity and how it can impact your mental and physical well-being. We'll talk about why diversifying your fitness routine and identity as a whole is crucial for long-term success and happiness. And we'll cover how to begin working on the skill of cognitive flexibility with reflection questions and practical strategies, so you can begin creating a robust foundation that can withstand the turbulence that life often brings.

Have you ever wondered if your clothes might be affecting how you feel in your body beyond aesthetics? In this episode, I explore how the clothes you wear might be contributing to neck and back discomfort or tightness. From restrictive waistbands to ill-fitting bras and even the shoes on your feet, your clothing choices can either support or limit your posture, movement, and even breathing options. I'll dive into why these things happen, and I'll share some tips on how to make simple adjustments that can help you feel more at ease in your body. Tune in to learn how small changes in your clothing can lead to big improvements in your daily comfort and pain levels.

In this episode, we dive into a thoughtful question I got about the struggle of showing up for strength training sessions years off and if lifting lighter weights provides the same health benefits of lifting heavy. We'll explore the differences between heavy and lighter/moderate weights, unpack the mindset struggles of re-building after time away, and review practical advice for getting back into a consistent routine without the pressure of lifting heavy. If you've ever felt stuck or discouraged about your current workouts, this episode will give you tools to reframe your thoughts and help you discover the joy in your movement again.

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked risks of cortisone injections, one of the marketed 'quick fixes' for pain and inflammation. While they can provide temporary relief, we discuss the potential long-term consequences for joint and muscle health, and what to consider instead for injuries and pain. Whether you're considering cortisone injection or guiding clients considering or who have had an injection, this episode will help you make more informed decisions.

In this episode, I'll share my go-to strength training split that I continue to come back to for my own training and that my clients also love, as well. There are so many different options for strength training, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what works best for you. You'll learn why I love this split, how I organize each session, and how to keep things as simple as possible to maximize your time in the gym and still see results.

Implementing tempo work helps to improve strength and stability, and can be important for things like tissue remodeling for overcoming and preventing injuries. This episode will dive into the science behind tempo training, how it impacts your body and why it's a powerful tool for getting stronger and staying injury-free.

Overcoming a nagging issue is tricky, but not impossible. It often just requires a bit of detective work and investigating as well as monitoring over time. This is one of the things missing in alot of rehab and often part of why people I work with haven't overcome their issues. When we're not monitoring these things, we end up missing key things that might be playing a part (ie activities or loads or other factors that can contribute to your pain), and it can be hard to know if what you're doing is "working" without knowing what to look for as signs of real progress. In this episode, we're going to cover the main things I have my clients pay attention to that help us identify the biggest factors impacting their pain or injury & markers of progress.

One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about going through rehab is that they'll be pain-free quick AF. While it is awesome when clinicians can offer relief in a single session, it is more often than not an unexpected bonus. Most nagging injuries take longer than you think, and managing those expectations up front is really important. Tune in to this episode to get a better understanding of how long rehab usually takes and the factors that can impact your timeline.

In this episode, you'll learn why I ended up trying Crossfit, how I injured my shoulder during Crossfit while in DPT school, and the rehab I had to address it. I also share what I wish would have been done differently and how that experience has shaped my business and how I coach clients now.

In this episode, I dive into my personal journey of feeling like I didn't quite belong in the fitness industry. For years, I felt like an outsider because I didn't compete, obsess over macros, or follow strict routines. I questioned my place in the industry, wondering if anyone would take me seriously. Over time, I realized that I had some underlying beliefs about health & fitness that needed to be upgraded. If you've ever felt like an imposter in the fitness space, this episode is for you. Tune in to explore how redefining your relationship with fitness and leading with compassion can actually help you pursue it with more rigor.

There are many benefits to incorporating mobility training, and ultimately they augment what we do in traditional fitness training. In this episode, you'll learn how mobility training can help with hypertrophy, or growing muscle. If you have a hypertrophy goal in your training, give this one a listen!

One of the most annoying and frustrating injuries is dealing with a neck or low back tweak. Especially when it feels like it comes out of nowhere, like during the most simple, mundane tasks. Too many people blame these types of injuries on "getting older", but I'm here to flip that script. Tune in to this episode to learn the 2 main reasons these tweaks tend to happen and a few things you can do to avoid them in the future.

If you've been considering adding running to your movement practice, give this episode a listen. You'll learn 5 things that will help you prepare your mindset and your body, so you can avoid the common injuries and burn out that happens to most people when they get started with running.

If you've ever struggled with figuring out how mobility work fits in with your strength programming, this episode is for you! In this episode, you'll learn 3 simple ways to implement mobility work into sessions your clients are already doing, so they can make progress without feeling overwhelmed from a million different exercises.

Over the years of programming for my own clients, reviewing what they've done prior to working with me, and mentoring coaches & movement pros, I've noticed the struggles with progress or lack of results with mobility work tend to come down to 3 main issues. In this episode, we'll cover the 3 big mistakes, why they happen, and what to think about instead. Assessment Masterclass: https://movementupgraded.kartra.com/page/yHX91 Movement School: https://jenhosler.com/movement-school-wait-list/

I started taking courses and seminars early on in my career because I honestly couldn't get my hands on enough information about movement. Some of the things I paid for were helpful, and some were not. After 7+ years of putting it all into practice, I've learned alot, and I'm sharing the biggest takeaways with you in this episode (which is a big glimpse into things you'll learn about in Movement School). Link to Masterclass mentioned in the episode: https://movementupgraded.kartra.com/page/yHX91

Over the past few years of mentoring coaches & movement providers, I started to realize some patterns in the same struggles they were all having with implementing mobility work for their clients. In this episode, we're covering 3 of the most common mistakes that contribute to common frustrations like not feeling like your clients are progressing or struggling to get them bought into the process. Link to the free masterclass mentioned in the episode: https://movementupgraded.kartra.com/page/yHX91

If you want to implement mobility work in your current programming for clients, it begins with an assessment. In this episode, you'll learn the 2 different types of movement assessments, how they compare to each other, and the important considerations for each one.

The old advice of "just resting" anytime you experience pain or an injury is no longer recommended. Not only can it derail your progress more than necessary, but it can make your rehab progress slower. In this episode, you'll hear the 3 things I have clients track & pay attention to to monitor their progress in rehab and to inform their training sessions as they work around and/or back into their workouts.

In this episode, we're covering some of the top reasons people skip their mobility work. I'm giving you real-life examples from clients and how we worked through those together to increase their adherence to their programs, so they could actually get the results they're after. All without a side of shame + judgment.