Finding Your Body’s True Strength with Drew Ricciardi of The Monkey Body
Release Date: 06/28/2025
Finding Your Body’s True Strength with Drew Ricciardi of The Monkey Body
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info_outlineFinding Your Body’s True Strength with Drew Ricciardi of The Monkey Body
When conventional workouts leave hypermobile bodies feeling weaker, not stronger, Drew Ricciardi’s personal journey led him to The Monkey Body Method—a holistic approach that honors the unique needs of EDS bodies.
Who This Episode Is For
-
You’ve been told to “just strengthen,” but you still feel unstable or hurt.
-
Traditional gym routines make hypermobility symptoms worse.
-
You want movement practices that work with your body’s flexibility, not against it.
-
You’re curious about how nervous system regulation influences physical stability.
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You’re seeking hope and tools to help your body feel genuinely strong and supported.
In This Conversation
The Monkey Body Method
Drew shares how he built a movement system from scratch, blending therapeutic strategies tailored to hypermobile bodies—no one-size-fits-all exercises here.
Variable Resistance Training
Discover why variable resistance is a game-changer for preventing joint overload and cultivating real, sustainable strength for EDS warriors.
Nervous System + Movement
Explore the often-overlooked link between nervous system regulation and stability, and learn techniques to down-regulate for safer, more effective practice.
Beyond Movement: Holistic Support
Nutrition, environment, and somatic awareness: how each element plays a pivotal role in creating a stable, resilient body.
The Power of Lived Experience
Drew’s own hypermobility story fuels every facet of his method—because sometimes the deepest expertise comes from firsthand experience.
Don’t Miss These Moments
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02:54 – Drew’s Story: “I had to figure out what my body actually needed, not what textbooks said.”
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11:16 – Variable Resistance Breakthrough: Why it shields joints and builds strength where it matters.
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21:19 – Nervous System Stability: Linking emotional safety to physical integrity—rethink “core strength.”
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35:14 – Hypermobile Real Talk: Navigating the day-to-day challenges and victories.
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45:32 – Dynamic Safety: Designing movement experiences that cultivate true confidence in your body.
Standout Quotes
“Nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery.”
“Community support enhances the healing journey.”
“Innovation happens when we stop accepting ‘this is just how it is’ and start asking, ‘What if there’s a better way?’”
Resources & Next Steps
Connect with Drew & The Monkey Body
- Youtube @themonkeybody
Topics Covered
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Somatic movement in trauma recovery
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Incremental progression for chronic conditions
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Safe cardiovascular training for EDS
Stay Connected Subscribe to Empowered EDS on your favorite podcast platform, and join our thriving community redefining strength for hypermobile bodies.
Episode Timeline
| Timestamp | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 | Intro to The Monkey Body approach |
| 02:54 | Drew’s hypermobility journey |
| 05:01 | Incremental movement: why it matters |
| 07:11 | Safe cardiovascular endurance |
| 11:16 | Variable resistance training |
| 17:12 | Dynamic vs. rigid stability |
| 21:19 | Nervous system’s role in stability |
| 28:06 | Self-care as healthcare |
| 35:14 | Working with hypermobile bodies |
| 38:15 | Active body awareness practices |
| 41:53 | Integrating somatic approaches |
| 45:32 | Creating safety through movement |
Keywords for EDS Warriors
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome • hypermobility • therapeutic movement • somatic therapy • nervous system regulation • dynamic stability • variable resistance • trauma-informed practice
A Note from Your Hosts
Every conversation reminds us of our mission: to offer movement that feels empowering, never depleting. Whether you’re new to therapeutic movement or searching for fresh strategies, Drew’s lived experience and innovative method bring hope that your body can feel supported and strong.
Remember: you’re not broken—you just need approaches built for your body.
Lauren, Jason & the Connective Wellness Team
Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear how Drew’s insights resonate with your journey—reach out anytime!