The Confident Body Show: Recent Episodes
Michael Dermansky
High quality scientific information to achieve a healthy lifestyle and build a confident body, made simple.
Everyone should be about to exercise and get the most out of life, no matter how complicated your injuries or issues are
This week on The Confident Body Show, host Michael Dermansky is joined by fellow physical therapist Karen DeSimone to explore what it really takes to achieve long-term recovery from back pain.
Together, Michael and Karen discuss why traditional approaches to treating back pain often fall short and why a more comprehensive, outcome-focused model is essential for lasting results. They explain the importance of patient education, changing beliefs around pain, and giving the body the time and training it needs to recover properly.
The conversation dives into the role of core stability, muscle control, and strength in preventing recurring back pain, highlighting why foundation work and movement quality are just as important as building strength. They also discuss the long-term journey of recovery, the milestones patients can expect along the way, and the systemic challenges within healthcare that can make sustainable recovery difficult to achieve.
Whether you're currently experiencing back pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to prevent future issues, this episode offers practical insights into building a stronger, more resilient body and creating lasting change.
For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, host Michael Dermansky is joined by Rob Gregory, who shares his personal journey of overcoming back pain and building a stronger, more resilient body through clinical Pilates and strength training.
Rob reflects on the challenges of managing back injuries, the lessons he learned along the way, and how combining stability, control, and strength helped him regain confidence in his body. Together, Michael and Rob discuss why strength alone isn't enough, the critical role that movement control plays in injury prevention, and how a balanced approach to exercise can support long-term back health.
They also explore the value of professional guidance when returning to exercise after injury, how structured training can help people move beyond pain, and why investing in your physical health can have a positive impact on every area of life.
Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing back pain, or simply looking to stay strong and active as you age, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for building a more confident body.
For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Connor Sjogren to explore one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare: back pain.
Together, they unpack why back pain occurs, the most common conditions affecting the lower back, and why many people struggle to find lasting relief. Michael and Connor discuss the limitations of passive treatments alone and explain why building strength, control, and confidence through movement is often the key to long-term recovery.
The conversation highlights the role of Clinical Pilates as an effective rehabilitation tool, providing a personalised and supportive approach to improving core strength, movement control, and overall function. They also discuss why individualised treatment plans are essential and how strength training can help build resilience and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
If you're living with back pain or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights and a reassuring message: with the right plan and guidance, back pain can improve, and you can get back to doing the things you enjoy with confidence.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Will Ryan for an in-depth conversation on osteoarthritis, unpacking why it is far more than a simple wear-and-tear condition.
The conversation unpacks the underlying factors that contribute to osteoarthritis, including the role of cartilage, bone, muscle strength, joint loading, and inflammation. Michael and Will discuss why exercise remains one of the most effective tools for managing symptoms, how weight management and nutrition can support joint health, and where medications and surgical interventions may fit within a broader treatment plan.
They also address the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to care, including prehabilitation before surgery and structured rehabilitation afterwards, highlighting how the right support and treatment pathway can significantly improve long-term outcomes, mobility, and quality of life for individuals living with osteoarthritis.
If you or someone you know is dealing with osteoarthritis, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to help you move with more confidence and less pain.
For more expert advice on managing joint pain and improving long-term mobility, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by David Smith to explore why strength training becomes essential for women during and after menopause, and how training smarter (not harder) leads to better long-term results.
The conversation unpacks the key physiological changes that occur during menopause, including the impact of reduced oestrogen on muscle, bone health, tendons, and recovery. Michael and David discuss why maintaining muscle mass should be the priority at this stage of life, how structured strength training supports metabolic, cognitive, and cardiovascular health, and why rest and recovery are critical for adaptation and progress.
They also address the uncertainty and fear many women in their 50s and 60s experience around exercise, sharing practical insights on how intentional programming, appropriate loading, and professional guidance can help women build strength safely and confidently over time.
For more expert insights on exercising with confidence and building strength for long-term health, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by one of MD Health's physiotherapists, Will Ryan, to explore why clinical Pilates and strength training aren't opposing approaches, but powerful partners when it comes to performance, injury prevention, and long-term health.
The conversation dives into the often-overlooked benefits of strength training as we age, including improvements in bone density, muscle mass, and overall resilience. They discuss why strength training can be safely introduced at any age, and how personalised programs consistently outperform generic group classes.
Through real-world examples, Michael and Will highlight how combining clinical Pilates with targeted strength training leads to better outcomes, from improved confidence and performance to long-term health and longevity.
For more expert insights on building a confident, strong body at any age, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, host Michael Dermansky is joined by Connor Sjogren, Osteopath at MD Health, to unpack a surprisingly common problem: when pain in one part of your body isn't actually coming from where you feel it.
They explore how back, hip, and pelvic issues can all mimic each other, often presenting with the same symptoms, and why getting the right diagnosis early is the key to long-term recovery. Michael and Connor break down the importance of looking at the whole body, not just the painful area, and how issues at the hips or ankles can quietly drive knee and back pain in the background.
Together, they discuss how clinicians determine what to treat first when multiple issues overlap, why a step-by-step approach leads to clearer results, and how collaborative care (and knowing when to refer) ensures patients get the most effective plan for their recovery.
For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Lyne Strmecki, a competitive basketball player still going strong at 58, to discuss how to improve long-term strength without relying solely on gym workouts.
They explore Lyne’s journey from elite sport to targeted rehabilitation, how COVID reshaped her approach to fitness, and why professional supervision makes all the difference when it comes to safe, effective training. Lyne also shares how strength and conditioning have helped her stay confident on the court, and in everyday life.
For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Tania Cicmil, founder of Mindstate Coaching and a high-performance mindset strategist, to discuss what to do when your body just doesn’t feel right, and why getting a second opinion can change everything.
They unpack why lack of progress after seven weeks may signal the need for a new approach, and how staying consistent for the first three months can deliver real, lasting results. Tania also shares why building muscle and bone strength, especially for women over 50, is key to living an active, healthy life for decades to come.
For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by nutritional health expert Tracy Davies to explore what truly matters when it comes to long-term health, and it’s not just about weight.
They unpack how good nutrition isn’t about restriction or perfection, but about fuelling your body for energy, strength, and longevity. Tracy shares how nutrition supports muscle and bone health, heart function, and metabolism, especially as we age, and why small, realistic changes are more powerful than strict diets.
They also tackle a common barrier: the fear of being judged. Tracy explains why working with a nutritionist should feel supportive, not intimidating, and how step-by-step habits can lead to lifelong wellbeing.
Whether you’re over 35, want to feel better in your body, or are due for a health check, this episode offers simple, empowering ways to assess and support your nutritional health, without the pressure.
For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by sports physiotherapist Kusal Goonewardena to unpack the often-overlooked key to strength and performance: recovery.
They dive into why recovery isn’t just rest—it’s a structured part of every smart training plan. From sleep quality and hydration to stress, nutrition, and tracking tools like HRV, Kusal shares how to spot when your body isn’t bouncing back and what to do about it.
Whether you're training regularly or just want to feel better day to day, this episode helps you understand how to balance effort with recovery for real results—especially if you're over 50.
For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Loris Bertolacci to explore what it really takes to return to running after an injury.
From hamstring strains to calf issues, they break down how to recover safely, avoid common mistakes, and know when you're truly ready to run again. Loris shares expert tips on strength training, managing load, and the fine line between rehab and performance training.
If you're eager to get back on track—stronger and smarter—this episode is a must-listen.
For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Jackie Kenny, a 66-year-old triathlete and martial artist, to explore how staying active, strong, and purposeful can transform the way we age.
Jackie reflects on her rich athletic journey—from her first triathlon in 1984 to her dedication to karate—and the challenges she’s overcome with injury and recovery. A key part of her comeback was training at MD Health, where a personalised program helped her rebuild strength, improve mobility, and return to doing what she loves.
Together, they discuss how the right mindset, structured strength training, and recovery practices can support longevity in sport and life. Jackie’s story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to start—and that quality movement, connection, and joy should guide every stage of training.
Tune in to be inspired by Jackie’s journey, her practical insights on aging well, and how living with purpose can shape a confident, active life at any age.
For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Matt Pallozzi, Founder of Instinct Health and head physiotherapist for Collingwood’s AFLW program, to discuss the evolving landscape of women’s football and the unique challenges athletes face.
Matt shares insights from his extensive experience in AFLW, including his time with Carlton and Collingwood, highlighting the distinct injury patterns in women’s football—particularly the prevalence of ACL injuries—and the impact of the league’s condensed season on recovery and performance.
They explore the critical role of communication in rehabilitation, from physios to coaches to players, and how better pathways, increased funding, and improved injury prevention strategies can help shape the future of the sport. Matt also reflects on the relationships built within the football community and the rewarding journey of founding Instinct Health, which has now grown to two locations with a dedicated team of eight physiotherapists.
Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the present and future of women’s football, injury prevention, and the importance of strong support networks in elite sport.
For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with David Smith, Co-founder and Director of Absolute Health Performance, for an insightful discussion on the importance of strength training in your 50s and beyond—why it’s essential, how to do it safely, and the long-term benefits for muscle mass, power, and bone density.
David explains why simply walking or doing light exercises isn’t enough to maintain strength as we age. Together, they break down the key components of an effective program, including structured strength training, sprint work, and jumping exercises to support lifelong confidence and mobility. They also discuss the role of professional guidance in creating a safe, progressive routine tailored to individual goals.
Let’s take control of our strength and longevity!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Caitlin Smith for an enlightening conversation on osteoporosis—its prevention, management, and the powerful roles of strength training and nutrition.
Caitlin highlights the evolving understanding of bone health, emphasising that osteoporosis is not just a 'female issue' and that men are increasingly affected. Together, they explore the essential roles of hormones, the impact of stress, and the need for a holistic approach to health, including regular check-ups and lifestyle choices that strengthen bone density and improve overall well-being.
Let’s get confident and proactive about bone health!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Riaza Manricks, founder of Reimagining Business, for an insightful conversation about the importance of strength training during pregnancy and its role in overall well-being.
Riaza shares her personal journey through two pregnancies, navigating the challenges and the significance of professional guidance. The discussion highlights the balance between parenting and exercise, reflecting on her recovery after childbirth and the long-term goals she has for her health and fitness.
Throughout the conversation, Riaza offers valuable lessons learned from her experiences, emphasising the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle not only for personal health but also for keeping up with children as they grow.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Valerie Judge, founder and managing director of Rose Phoenix Health, for an insightful conversation about the impact of anxiety on our behaviour and its intricate connection to pain.
Valerie navigates the various stages of stress and anxiety, shedding light on how they can hinder our progress towards goals. She also explores the complex relationship between anxiety and pain, demonstrating how they often amplify each other.
Throughout the discussion, Valerie shares valuable strategies to manage fear and anxiety, including the power of talking therapy and relaxation techniques. She underlines the importance of seeking help when anxiety begins to cast a shadow over our enjoyment of life and advocates for regular sessions with a psychologist as part of a holistic well-being plan.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermanski is joined by Paul Moritz, a long distance race walker and client of MD Health, to discuss his sporting and wellbeing journey.
Paul shares his experiences across a long racing career, including his three fundamentals of endurance sport success, the importance of strength work in his return after injury, and why having fun is so important - especially for endurance athletes.
In a challenging and often isolating sport - particularly when you’re trying to return to competition - Paul singled out the importance of the camaraderie between endurance athletes (in this case, an ex-marathon runner and MD Health client) in helping with your rehab and return to racing.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermanski is joined by Pinakin Godse, a sports physiotherapist with a rich background as both an athlete and a physio to elite sportspeople.
Pinakin shares his experiences working with Olympic-level athletes as they return after an injury-enforced break - the common mistakes, the barriers to success, and the lessons that amateurs can learn. After all, athletes regularly deal with injury, so they are used to the requirements of returning to sport in a safe way that hopefully also makes them stronger than before.
This episode is full of great tips to help you plan and build an approach that will give you the greatest chance of successfully returning to the sport (or any activity) that you love.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermanski has a very special guest in the studio… himself! Yes, Michael is mixing it up with a short sharp solo episode. No guests - just you, him and the facts.
In his hardest-hitting interview to date, Michael asks himself all he’s ever wanted to know about returning to running after an injury: the most common injuries the team at MD Health see; the stages that clients need to progress through on their journey back to running; and the keys to getting back to their best. Along the way, he also reveals to himself the role that psychology plays in the process, and the surprising (well, not if you’re a regular listener) role strength plays in becoming a better runner.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to MD health.com/articles.
This week, we’ve got another client journey to share with you. Michael is joined by special guest Trevor Young to talk about his experience working with the MD Health team.
After many years of physical activity, basketball injuries coupled with a desk-based job were taking their toll. Trevor found it hard to do the simple things he’d previously taken for granted. He was losing confidence in his body. With energetic kids and a looming long-haul flight, Trevor knew it was time to take action.
In this wide-ranging interview, Trevor shares his initial experience in getting started with MD Health, and the difference he’s found over the last ten months. It’s a great insight into what’s in store for anyone looking to get more out of life and be your best - and what you can achieve in a relatively short space of time.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael welcomes back Josh Blencowe from MD Health to explore a biomechanical perspective on skiing, as well as nutrition and hydration tips to help you maximise your enjoyment from your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding work the major muscle groups of the lower body - but it’s easy to overlook the fine control muscles around the joints that are also tested. You need to work on a combination of these areas to get your body ready.
Like most activities discussed on the Confident Body podcast, it pays to plan ahead to ensure your body is best prepared to handle the different stresses your ski trip will place on it. Giving your health practitioner as much notice as possible is a simple way to build up so you're ready to give the trip your best.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael is joined by the founder of Clinical Pilates, Craig Phillips, to discuss the evolution of the practice, the significant changes over the years, and the future direction of healthcare.
Craig’s fascinating journey has taken him from the Australian Ballet in the 70s to the San Francisco 49ers and all the way to the OIympics. Along the way, he was responsible for evolving Joseph Pilates’ original exercise regime and applying a clinical approach that incorporated a focus on injury treatment and recovery.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Craig shares his experiences and insights from an extensive career, and highlights the key areas practitioners and individuals should focus on so they can stay out of hospital and keep doing the things they love.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
Planning an overseas holiday is an exciting time. But for many people, particularly as they get older, it can cause a lot of anxiety. If you are dealing with pain or restricted movement, the idea of doing more exercise than normal while on holiday - which is to be expected, as you don’t want to be stuck in your room all day - can be confronting. And not just for the concern around pain or an inability to do what you want to do; there is also a fear of making the problem worse, which could seriously impact your enjoyment.
In this episode, Michal Dermansky is joined by fellow MD Health practitioner Liam Pezet to explore how people can best prepare for an overseas trip. Planning is key: with enough time, an exercise professional can develop a rehab / performance program that is focused on specific exercises that will support your expected activity while overseas.
This is a must-listen for anyone planning an overseas trip - or for anyone who has put off travel plans due to a lack of confidence in their body.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermansky, senior physiotherapist at MD Health, is joined by long-time customers Stephen and Kathleen to hear about their experience in overcoming pain and getting stronger and more confident through exercise.
Pain and injury can stop us from doing many things we enjoy - from gardening, to sport, to simply lifting up the grandkids - especially as we get older. After working with the MD Health team, Stephen and Kathleen were able to get back to doing many things that they thought had passed them by.
Their exercise journey culminated in a trip of a different kind: to Sicily. By being consistent and diligent in doing the work, even through COVID, they were able to step out with confidence overseas and take on a challenging walking tour. Their story is a great example of people being able to live their best lives through preventative strengthening exercises.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermansky, senior physiotherapist at MD Health, is joined by David Smith, Co-founder and Director at Absolute Health & Performance, to discuss the blurred line between performance and rehab training.
As our understanding of how the human body works continues to deepen, it has changed how health practitioners approach injury management and performance improvement. Today, most practitioners believe there is very little difference between treating an injury and training for performance.
In the episode, we examine this new approach to both injury management and performance improvement, and explore the crossover between the two - with the needs of the patient paramount in both cases.
Let’s get confident!
This week, Michael Dermansky, senior physiotherapist at MD Health, is joined by a special guest, client Richard James, to discuss the importance of being strong and the difference it can make in your life.
At 50, after an active lifestyle, Richard was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. He had to re-examine how to manage his life. After two rounds of chemotherapy, he wasn’t able to do his usual fitness activities such as boxing. After discovering Pilates, he hasn’t looked back; he feels stronger than ever, while also feeling more energised.
In the episode, we explore the important role strength plays in many aspects of life, and why being stronger is one of the most underestimated secret weapons for being able to keep doing the things you love.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Hanah Mills from Ideal Nutrition joins Michael Dermansky to discuss the vital role that recovery plays in achieving your exercise goals... so much so, it’s the secret sauce of getting fit.
Hanah and Michael explore the role of nutrition in fueling our muscles and cells and ensuring everything is functioning optimally. Exercise depletes our energy, water and micronutrients; correct nutrition refuels our energy stores to help us get the most out of our exercise sessions.
This episode is full of practical tips to help you perform your best, recover faster and minimise injury so you can get back to doing the things you love sooner.
Let’s get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael is joined by osteopath Josh Blencowe from MD Health to discuss back pain – one of the biggest factors preventing us from living a full and happy life.
In this episode, Josh and Michael review the common causes of back pain, including the indirect causes of back pain that have only recently come to light due to recent progresses in pain science. They also explore the role fear plays in our experience of pain.
Most importantly, they list the preventions and treatments you can use to overcome back pain so you can get back to the things you love.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Heath Williams from Principle Four Osteo and Corporate Work Health Australia joins Michael to discuss ergonomics.
With people spending the majority of their working week at a workstation, the ergonomics of that setup can play a large role in their overall health and wellbeing. The last few years have seen a seismic shift in how people work, with working from home on the rise – often in suboptimal setups. On top of this, many people simply aren’t getting enough movement in their lives to counteract the hours stuck at a workstation (or dining room table).
In this episode, Michael and Heath explore the problems experienced by people having issues with office or home workstation ergonomics, and what can be done to mitigate or eliminate these outcomes.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This episode of The Confident Body Podcast aims to change your thinking around women and weight training.
Michael is joined by Katie Crombie, a performance coach at Absolute Health and Performance, to discuss the benefits of lifting weights for women, regardless of age or weight training experience.
We explore the barriers that hold many women back from even considering strength training as an option, including overcoming the 'fragility mindset' that many women have.
This is a must-hear episode for any woman wanting to regain confidence in your body so you can keep doing the things you love.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
You’ve navigated the excesses of Christmas and the new year, but you haven't yet got back into the swing of regular exercise. Motivation can be a challenge after having time off, especially if you aren’t yet back into your normal routine. Fear not! The Confident Body Podcast is here to help you get back to doing the things you love.
In this episode, Michael is joined by Adrian Ward, senior exercise physiologist at MD Health, to explore how to avoid the traps of restarting your exercise routine so you can be more effective and minimise pain and injury.
In particular, we look at the benefits of getting the help of an exercise professional to ensure your exercise program is achievable, aligned with your lifestyle goals, and tailored so you can build up strength and manage existing injuries.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
2023 is the year of the confident body! Having confidence in your body means you’re able to overcome age, injury and a sedentary lifestyle and get back to doing the things you love. This is especially important for over 50’s.
In this episode, Michael is joined by Josh Blenclowe, an Osteopath at MD Health Carlton North, to explore how you can gain confidence in your body in 2023 and avoid the barriers that hold most people back.
Everyone is different, so a tailored plan is critical. Having the guidance of an experienced exercise practitioner offers many benefits, including helping you overcome the anxiety that comes with starting a new exercise program and managing any injuries along the way.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael is joined by Hanah Mills, Accredited Dietitian at Ideal Nutrition, to discuss the vital role of nutrition in getting your body right.
As the title of this episode suggests, nutrition is the missing link in getting more out of your body. It plays a critical role in general wellbeing on both a physical and psychological level.
While many of us don’t think about nutrition beyond losing weight, getting the balance right can not only help you shed unwanted kilos – it can significantly boost your fitness levels and performance. Even paying just a little more attention to what your body needs at your current stage of life can have a huge impact on helping you to live life to the fullest.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael is joined by Nicole Davies, Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist with MD Health, to discuss the benefits of clinical pilates regardless of age, injury or chronic pain.
The key difference between clinical pilates and broader or group exercises is the tailored nature to your needs, goals and stage of recovery. While some exercise is (usually) better than none, there are significant advantages to seeing a health professional with a background in exercise to provide a tailored exercise program versus a group or generalist program.
This episode is packed full of inspiration to help you overcome obstacles blocking you from exercising, including that age should not be a barrier to exercise, as an experienced professional can modify the exercise to your needs. In fact, the benefits derived from exercise get more important and beneficial as you age. With expert guidance, you can regain confidence in your body and get back to doing the things you love.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
David Smith from Absolute Health and Performance joins Michael for another discussion around gaining confidence in your body so you can keep doing the things you love.
This episode delves into whether habits or goals are more impotant for exercise success. Setting achievable goals and engaging in consistent effort enables you to embed positive habits – which is the key to achieving sustainable health outcomes.
Michael and David share many practical tips to help you achieve lasting exercise outcomes that change not just your physical appearance, but your life.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- The difference between a goal and a habit
- System 1 (instinctive) v system 2 (conscious) thinking in setting habits
- The role of goal-setting in forming long-term healthy habits
- The importance of achievable goals and consistent effort in positive habit creation
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Michael Dermanski is joined by physiotherapist Justine Gorman to look at the benefits of exercise while pregnant.
Just like for the general population, the heart and respiratory benefits of exercising while pregnant make it a highly beneficial activity. There are also many specific benefits achieved by exercising while pregnant, including reducing the risk of developing gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. It may also help reduce the need for instrumental delivery.
Among other topics, Justine and Michael also explore the role strength training plays in facilitating a happy, healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
Michael Dermansky is joined by special guest Judy Czuchnowski, a recent client of MD Health who has experienced chronic back pain for many years. As she got older and life got in the way of regular exercise, her pain reached a point where, despite strong medication, she didn’t think she could go on.
Following on from last episode (#11: Is back pain stopping you from getting the best out of your life?), episode 12 focuses on Judy’s real-world experience of how exercise and surgery affect back pain. The answer may not necessarily be one or the other; sometimes it’s both, with each playing an important role in getting you back to enjoying the life you love.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This episode, Michael Dermansky is joined by Nick Adkins, an exercise physiologist at MD Health, to discuss the impact of back pain on exercise, wellness and mental health.
With 80% of people experiencing back pain in their lives, it’s a widespread problem that can strike any age group or fitness level. The good news is there are ways to manage and even overcome back pain so you can continue to exercise and improve your overall wellbeing.
Michael and Nick discuss the causes of back pain, what you should (and shouldn’t) do in terms of activity, and how a goal-oriented treatment plan can get you back (no pun intended) doing the things you love.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This episode, Michael Dermansky is joined by David Smith, an exercise scientist and strength conditioning coach from Absolute Health and Performance, to discuss how to stay fit in your thirties and forties so you can get the most out of your body – both in the short and long term.
David and Michael explore the most important elements of an exercise program in your thirties and forties, the vital role of strength training, why you should contribute to your ‘health super’, and how to overcome the biggest barriers to people maintaining consistent physical activity in this critical phase of life.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
In this episode, Michael Dermansky is joined by Duncan McGregor to share a client’s journey of building confidence in your body after 50.
After a shoulder injury, Duncan has continued to work with MD Health to overcome injury and maintain his mobility and general health. At 74 he still plays squash every week as well as maintaining a regular exercise and pilates program.
Duncan shares the many physical and mental benefits he’s found from gaining confidence in his body as he ages, including being able to live life to the fullest for longer.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, Andrew Wild from Wild Physio Fitness joins Michael Dermansky to explore the different benefits of strength training and cardio training so you can make an informed decision around which is right for you.
Andrew is a physiotherapist as well as a strength and conditioning coach who has merged the two fields to become a hybrid therapist. The discussion covers the many (surprising) benefits of strength training, and the recommended amount of strength training most people should do each week.
Armed with this information, you’ll be better equipped to develop an exercise program that harnesses the benefits of each type of training no matter what your life stage and style. You’ll be able to overcome injury sooner, minimise the risk of future injury and illness, and get the most out of your body so you can live life to the fullest.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
In this special edition of The Confident Body, Michael Dermansky is joined by senior physiotherapist Will Ryan and special guest Natalie Hall who shares a patient's perspective of coming back from injury. (And if you listen closely, you’ll hear our extra-special guest for the episode: Natalie’s dog!)
Natalie, who has a dance background, is a long-term client of MD Health who had a healthy and active life interrupted by injury. After enduring chronic pain for many years, with multiple surgeries as well as secondary pain from using crutches for a long time, she turned to MD Health to reclaim her active lifestyle.
Michael and Will explore Natalie’s journey to recovery, and provide a clinician perspective on the challenges and successes they have seen with patients coming back from injury.
Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
This week, exercise physiologist Zac Jefcoate joins Michael Dermansky to discuss the vital link between exercise and mental health.
For many people, the mental and physical aspects of recovering from injury are intertwined. To achieve the best health outcome you need to look at both components together. Exercise is not just important in terms of recovery from physical injuries; it is proven to boost mood, cognition and overall mental health, which in turn supports and strengthens physical recovery.
This week, Kristine Gardner shares her personal journey of getting more movement into her body to overcome the injuries that were holding her back.
A health and wellness coach, naturopath and trainer in her 50’s, Kristine knew she wasn't moving enough despite her busy and active lifestyle, and as a result she experienced niggling pain throughout her body.
Kristine joins Michael Dermansky to discuss her experience of building confidence in her body through targeted exercise. It’s a journey that’s had a profound impact on her life.
Senior exercise physiologist Nick Adkins joins Michael Dermansky to discuss the wide-ranging and often surprising ways in which strength training can give you the confidence to do the things you love.
This episode explores why strength is the foundation of building body confidence. Strength training provides many physical, metabolic and psychological benefits for people of any age, and plays an important role in injury recovery. This enables people to regain confidence in their body so they can live life to the fullest.
This episode, Dean Daskalou and Michael Dermansky discuss how clinical exercise, Pilates and treatment fit together.
Stability and control come from clinical exercise and pilates, which is very specific to the person's injury and to their particular weaknesses. Once they feel more confident in their own ability, we can use strength and conditioning work to address their weaknesses by gradually loading up their muscles in a contained and controlled environment. Together, they are very powerful elements of regaining confidence in your body.
Episode 1 of The Confident Body Show explored the process of building a confident body. In episode 2, Michael Dermansky (senior physiotherapist and managing director of MD Health) and Nicole Davis (senior exercise physiologist and branch manager at MD Health Templestowe) discuss the importance of initial and ongoing assessments. Ultimately, ongoing assessments ensure the practitioner stays focused on helping the client to achieve their goals and live the lifestyle they want. Assessments enable the practitioner to develop an individualised treatment plan and recalibrate the plan based on the client’s lived experience. Good communication between client and practitioner builds trust, which is key to a successful outcome. Ongoing assessments give clients confidence in the process so they can eventually get confidence in their body. Let's get confident! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
One of the most significant changes in treating injuries over the last few years is the use of strength training. Gradually incorporating strength training is arguably the key to gaining confidence in your body – and getting your life back. We see this time and again with patients, and the research backs it up. Importantly, age is not a barrier to strength work – in fact it becomes more important as you get older. In the first episode of the Confident Body Show, senior physiotherapists Michael Dermansky and Will Ryan from MD Health discuss the keys to gaining confidence in your body, and explore the changes in philosophy and approach to injury treatment over the last decade. Topics covered include the foundations of a confident body, the important role that strength training plays in injury recovery alongside clinical exercise and Pilates, and the one activity every adult should do every day, regardless of age. Let's get confident!
For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.
Welcome to The Confident Body Show, where experienced health professionals give you practical, scientific advice to help you get the most out of your body. We believe everyone can exercise and live life to the fullest regardless of your injuries or health issues. Let us help you get back to doing the things you love. Learn more at https://mdhealth.com.au/articles/the-confident-body-show/