In this conversation, Vanessa and Ben explore various training methodologies, focusing on the Huberman protocol and its applicability to real-life scenarios. They discuss the importance of individualisation in training, the role of neck training, and the balance between empirical data and personal biofeedback. The conversation emphasises the significance of understanding one's body and adapting training protocols to fit personal lifestyles and goals, rather than strictly adhering to scientific trends.

You’ll learn about:

-Training regimes vary widely and should be personalized.

-Huberman's protocol is demanding and may not suit everyone.

-Neck training is often overlooked but is crucial for longevity.

-Clients often struggle to adhere to strict training protocols.

-Flexibility in training schedules can lead to better adherence.

-Data should complement, not replace, personal biofeedback.

-Longevity studies show that connection and moderation are key.

-Perceived effort can vary greatly among individuals.

-Finding optimal load requires practice and familiarity.

Resources:

YouTube short of Huberman Episode: Tools for Nutrition & Fitness with Dr Layne Norton.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JnlSDaBjCCU

Huberman Fitness Protocol Download Page

https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/foundational-fitness-protocol

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person!

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

About Ben Siong:

Benjamin Siong is one of Australia’s leading body-recomposition experts, international presenter, and strength coach. He is the Founder of LEARNASP, the Trainer’s Go-To Education Resource, delivering practical seminars and internationally recognised masterclasses in fat loss, hypertrophy, and nutrition. LEARNASP educates 10,000+ trainers annually across 15+ countries, with a clear focus on real-world application and measurable results.

With an Honours degree in Applied Science and Psychology, Benjamin is a Level 5 Poliquin Strength Coach, CHEK Practitioner, and ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist. His applied systems have produced elite athletes across 16+ sports and international title holders.

IG - benperformancecoach

Website: www.learn-asp.com

About Your Host:

Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

Discover how medical professionals and fitness experts view collaboration, credibility, and improving client health. In this episode, industry leaders discuss the gaps, opportunities, and future of integrated healthcare and fitness. Together they find ways to help people bridge the gap between sick care and health care.

Key Topics:

• The gap between research and face-to-face practice in health coaching
• The potential role of doctors in prescribing movement and nutrition
• Challenges of trust and credibility in the fitness industry
• The importance of ongoing education and registration for trainers
• Advocating for clients in medical systems and promoting self-advocacy
• Exploring the ideal future system where GPs and fitness professionals collaborate effectively
• The value of personalised, holistic approaches rather than quick fixes
• How movement professionals can support clients' medical journeys
• Addressing systemic barriers to access and integrated care

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.

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.

About Your RoundTable Knights:

Jen Dugard: https://www.jendugard.com/

Alice Moore: https://www.lesmills.co.nz/pt/meet-our-trainers/alice-stolpe

Nikki Rubino: https://www.coachnikki.com.au/

Vanessa Leone returns for season two of the podcast, expressing her intention to take a slower approach and introduce new interactive elements. She discusses the importance of practical takeaways and announces the introduction of round table discussions with experts. Vanessa shares her personal journey with movement therapy, including experiences with dentistry and the impact of Invisalign on her body. She challenges the traditional approach to fitness and encourages exploration and innovation in movement.

Takeaways

• Interactive round table discussions with experts
• Encouraging exploration and innovation in movement

If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review!

In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person!

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

About Your Host:

Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

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 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 her group therapist Emma discuss the profound impact of sound healing and music therapy on wellness and movement. They explore the science behind sound healing, the effects of vibration on the body, and the instruments used in sound healing practices. The conversation delves into the biological responses to music, the emotional connections we have with different genres, and how to create motivating playlists for movement. Emma emphasizes the importance of finding the right sound healing practitioner and the benefits of sound healing in promoting relaxation and emotional release.

You’ll learn about:

Sound healing is a therapeutic tool: it helps release stored emotions in the body.

Music has a profound biological effect: it motivates movement and enhances physical performance.

BPM (beats per minute) influences how we move to music: Create playlists that enhance motivation for exercise and movement.

Emotional connections to music can trigger memories and feelings.

Finding a practitioner you resonate with is crucial for effective sound healing.

Our Favourite quotable moments:

"Music motivates, right?" - Emma

"BPM affects how we move to music." - Vanessa

"Music is magic for so many." - Emma

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 Emma Masters

Emma 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_au

Website:https://www.experienceageconsultancy.com/

https://www.therapyfitness.com.au/

About Your Host:

Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

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

In this episode, Vanessa and OD discuss the concept of rehabilitation, exploring its emotional and mental aspects, and how it can be redefined in the fitness industry. They emphasize the importance of addressing not just the physical injuries but also the emotional responses that come with them. The conversation delves into various tools for recovery, such as vibration and percussion therapy, and offers practical advice for those on their healing journey.

You’ll learn about:

Rehabilitation needs to be redefined and repurposed.

The emotional aspect of injury is often overlooked: Mental health plays a significant role in physical recovery.

Rest alone does not facilitate healing, movement is essential: Healing starts immediately after an injury occurs.

Asking questions from health professionals is crucial for recovery: You deserve to find a supportive health professional who listens.

Tools like vibration therapy can enhance recovery.

Our Favourite quotable moments:

"Rehab is a dirty word almost now." - Vanessa

"Rest doesn't fix many things." = OD

"You deserve to be heard and seen." - 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.

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 holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

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

In this episode, Vanessa Leone is joined by Rhys James and Jesse O'Sullivan from Technogym to discuss the importance of wellness testing and the innovative Checkup tool. They explore various aspects of health, including strength, power, cardio, body composition, mobility, and cognitive health. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's WellnessAge, which provides a more accurate representation of health compared to chronological age. The hosts share insights on how different tests can be tailored to various demographics and the role of technology in enhancing fitness assessments.

You’ll learn about:

Wellness Age is a new metric to track health and longevity: it provides a more accurate representation of health than chronological age.

Strength and cardio are fundamental components of wellness.

VO2 max is a key indicator of cardiovascular health.

Body composition metrics include muscle mass and hydration.

Cognitive health is as important as physical health.

Our Favourite quotable moments:

"Wellness Age is a new metric to track health." - Rhys

"Power testing is crucial for functional fitness." - Jesse

"Testing can help identify areas for improvement." - Jesse

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. Currently, as Wellness Institute & Community Manager for Technogym Australia, he aims to expand the Technogym Network through education. Previously, Rhys worked at Technogym’s Headquarters in Italy, experiencing 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/

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