loader from loading.io

How to Break Free from Painful Movement and Start Trusting Your Body When You’re Afraid to Move

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

Release Date: 06/25/2024

Skin Health From the Inside Out: Hormones, Nutrition & Anti-Aging Truths with Ariana Juarez show art Skin Health From the Inside Out: Hormones, Nutrition & Anti-Aging Truths with Ariana Juarez

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

n this episode of Core Connections, I sit down with Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner Ariana Juarez to uncover the real truth about skin health—and why your skin is never just a surface issue. Ariana shares her personal journey healing severe melasma and how it led her to a deeper understanding of metabolic health, hormones, and inflammation. We break down why your skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside your body—and how to finally get to the root cause of acne, pigmentation, and premature aging. We also dive into: The connection between hormones (estrogen +...

info_outline
#334 Functional vs Conventional Medicine: How to Truly Heal Your Body with Andrea Balzer show art #334 Functional vs Conventional Medicine: How to Truly Heal Your Body with Andrea Balzer

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

In this episode of the Core Connections podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with Andrea Balzer, functional health practitioner and founder of Counter Culture Health & Wellness, to explore why so many women still feel unwell despite being told their labs are “normal.” They dive into: The gap between conventional and functional medicine Why symptoms are signals—not problems How to advocate for your health The importance of trusting your intuition Practical steps to begin your healing journey If you’ve been searching for answers, this conversation will help you understand where...

info_outline
Hair Loss in Women: Root Causes of Alopecia, Postpartum Shedding & Thinning Hair with Johanna Dahlman show art Hair Loss in Women: Root Causes of Alopecia, Postpartum Shedding & Thinning Hair with Johanna Dahlman

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

In this episode of The Core Connections Podcast, Erica sits down with Johanna Dahlman, also known as the Alopecia Angel, to talk about hair loss, alopecia, and the root-cause factors that may be contributing to thinning, shedding, and poor hair health. Johanna shares her personal journey with alopecia areata, how that diagnosis led her into a deeper healing path, and what she now sees in women struggling with hair loss — from postpartum changes and thyroid issues to nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, autoimmune patterns, and lifestyle factors. This conversation is a powerful reminder...

info_outline
#332: Thyroid Symptoms But Normal Labs? Here’s What to Look At Next with Dr. Elena Genik show art #332: Thyroid Symptoms But Normal Labs? Here’s What to Look At Next with Dr. Elena Genik

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

In this episode of The Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with Dr. Elena Genik to talk all about thyroid health, including the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s vs. Graves’ disease, why TSH alone is not enough, and the root-cause factors that may be driving thyroid dysfunction. They discuss the role of gut health, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalance, chronic stress, inflammation, food triggers, and functional lab testing, along with supportive tools like gentle movement, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. If you’ve ever been told your...

info_outline
Fascia & Pain: Why Less Intensity = Better Results show art Fascia & Pain: Why Less Intensity = Better Results

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

In this solo episode, Erica breaks down how fascia influences pain—and why gentle, consistent work often creates better (and longer-lasting) relief than intense release methods. You’ll learn why “less is more,” how smaller ranges of motion can help your body feel safer, and why diaphragmatic breathing + deep core alignment are foundational for reducing tension, improving posture, and getting out of pain patterns. Explore Erica’s programs + trainings: • Core Rehab Program (pain relief + deep core & pelvic floor connection): • Prenatal Program (Knocked-Up Fitness): •...

info_outline
#330 Why Midlife Weight Loss Stops Working (Even When Labs Are “Normal”) with Shay Pascale show art #330 Why Midlife Weight Loss Stops Working (Even When Labs Are “Normal”) with Shay Pascale

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

Midlife weight loss can feel impossible — especially when you’re doing “everything right” and your labs look normal. In this episode, Erica sits down with Shay Pascale to break down what actually drives sustainable body composition in midlife: muscle-centric nutrition, progressive strength training, reverse dieting for under-eaters, gut testing when nothing works, and a balanced conversation about GLP-1s. If you’re tired of dieting and ready for real metabolic clarity, this one is for you. Shay’s website: thebodybulletin.com Free masterclass: thebodybulletin.com/masterclass...

info_outline
#329 Strength Training & Pelvic Floor: Why Breath Matters More Than Bracing show art #329 Strength Training & Pelvic Floor: Why Breath Matters More Than Bracing

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

If you or your clients leak, feel pelvic pressure, or struggle with back pain during strength training — this conversation is for you. In this Core Connections podcast interview, Erica Ziel sits down with Pilates instructor and powerlifter Lauren Carder to break down why so many movement professionals are unknowingly teaching breath and bracing strategies that drive pressure into the pelvic floor instead of supporting it. This episode dives into: 04:13 Why Pilates Feels “Too Easy” at First — and Why It’s Not 05:11 The Missing Mind-Body Connection in Modern Strength Training 06:22 A...

info_outline
#328: Peptides Explained: Healing, Weight Loss & Hormone Support with Dr. Kela Smith show art #328: Peptides Explained: Healing, Weight Loss & Hormone Support with Dr. Kela Smith

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

Peptides are everywhere — but are they actually safe, effective, and necessary? In this episode of Core Connections, I’m joined by Dr. Kela Smith, functional medicine practitioner and founder of the Hormone Puzzle Society, to break down the truth about peptides. 00:00 Introduction to Holistic Health and Peptides 04:09 Understanding Peptides: The Basics 06:56 The Benefits of BPC 157 and Other Peptides 10:05 Injectable vs. Oral Peptides: What You Need to Know 12:43 Cycling Peptides: How and Why 15:46 Peptides for Postpartum Recovery 18:38 Peptides and Weight Loss: A Cautious Approach 21:36...

info_outline
#327: Burnout: How Cortisol, Minerals, and Digestion Affect Weight & Energy with Monika Eva show art #327: Burnout: How Cortisol, Minerals, and Digestion Affect Weight & Energy with Monika Eva

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

If you’re eating well, exercising consistently, and still struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight, and burnout — this episode is for you. In this episode of Core Connections, Erica Ziel sits down with Monika Eva, Hormone Nutritionist, to unpack the hidden reasons women feel stuck despite doing everything “right.” We dive into cortisol dysregulation (especially low cortisol), mineral depletion, gut health, digestion, and why traditional testing often misses what’s really going on in the body. This conversation is empowering, educational, and deeply validating for women who have been...

info_outline
#326 Pelvic Floor Health: 5 Myths That Could Be Holding You Back show art #326 Pelvic Floor Health: 5 Myths That Could Be Holding You Back

Core Connections with Erica Ziel

04:30 - Understand what your pelvic floor actually is 08:42 Myth Busting: Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Issues 10:28 The Kegel Controversy 15:02 The Importance of Breath in Pelvic Health 21:58 Hip Tightness and Its Connection to the Pelvic Floor 25:25 Learning a New Language: Pelvic Floor Awareness ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why incontinence is common but not normal • What the pelvic floor actually is (and how big it really is) • Why Kegels often don’t work—and can make things worse • How breath and the pelvic floor work together • The connection between hips, back...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Do you ever go to move and notice your body resisting the movement?

 

Almost like your body put the brakes on and was like, “Woooah, I don’t know if I like this movement.”

 

Let me tell you why this is happening: your past experiences are shaping your reality or what you believe to be true. It’s your body’s way of protecting you from the pain you are afraid of (even if you’re not experiencing any pain!) This anticipatory reaction can keep you stuck in a cycle of fear and limited movement which could result in MORE pain.

 

Understanding this can take you from pumping the breaks to cruising down the highway with confidence.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize and release fear-based movement patterns, use breath to initiate safe and effective movements, and build a consistent practice that fosters trust and reduces pain.

 

Click play to hear all of this and…

 

(00:01:59) How past experiences are holding us back from getting the results we want.

 

(00:03:20) What causes the body to resist movement.

 

(00:05:07) How to overcome fear from movement and build trust with your body.

 

(00:06:38) Why the "no pain, no gain" mentality needs to go.

 

(00:07:57) The overall objective of moving our bodies.

 

(00:11:01) Ways to improve breath, relax the body, and train the brain and nervous system.

 

(00:13:12) The keys to making improvements with your movement and achieving lasting results.

 

(00:16:41) How to stay pain-free and enjoy life’s activities.

 

For full show notes, visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/315

 

After listening, download my free  Pelvic Floor Guide to learn my foundational healing movements by clicking >>HERE<<.