Back from a Break: Building the Future of Fitness Training
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Release Date: 10/17/2024
#342 Blood Sugar, Stress & Hormones: The Missing Pieces of Women's Health with Kristen Barrett
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Many women are told their hormone symptoms are simply part of getting older—but what if the real root cause goes much deeper? In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, Erica sits down with Functional Health Practitioner Kristin Barrett to discuss the powerful connections between blood sugar, hormones, PCOS, gut health, sleep, stress, and the nervous system. Kristin shares her personal journey from struggling with PCOS and infertility to becoming an FDN Practitioner who now helps women uncover the root causes behind fatigue, hormone imbalance, digestive issues, and low energy. You'll...
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Episode #341: How Sound Frequencies May Support Your Nervous System, Sleep & Overall Wellness
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Can sound frequencies actually support your health? In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with John Bamber of WavWatch to explore the growing science behind frequency therapy and how sound may influence everything from your nervous system and sleep to stress, recovery, and overall wellness. We discuss why our bodies respond differently to certain sounds, what current research is beginning to show, and why sound may be another powerful tool alongside movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. I also share my own experience using WavWatch and why I believe it's an intriguing...
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Episode #340: Raising Healthy Kids Naturally with Dr. Elana Roumell
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
How can moms feel more confident when it comes to their children's health? In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, I sit down with naturopathic pediatric expert Dr. Elana Roumell, creator of Med School for Moms, to discuss practical ways parents can support their children's health naturally while reducing fear and overwhelm. We dive into common childhood health concerns including eczema, allergies, constipation, ear infections, immune health, gut health, nutrition, and the importance of helping moms move from panic to confidence when their children get sick. Dr. Elana shares simple,...
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#339: Waking Up at 2-4 AM? What Your Body May Be Trying to Tell You
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Waking up at 2-4 AM every night? You're not alone—and it may be your body's way of telling you something deeper is going on. In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel explores the common root causes of disrupted sleep, including blood sugar imbalances, hormone changes, gut health challenges, circadian rhythm disruption, stress, and detoxification pathways. You'll learn why sleep is one of the most powerful tools for restoring energy, supporting hormone balance, improving detoxification, and helping your body function at its best. Grab my Free Pelvic Floor Guide + be among...
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#338 How to Feel More Present, Calm + Connected in Life with Shari Ingleton
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this deeply meaningful episode of the Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with energy healer and nervous system practitioner Shari Ingleton of to discuss emotional healing, women’s intuition, nervous system regulation, and the powerful connection between mind, body, heart, and soul. Shari shares her perspective on the “five bodies” — energetic, emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical — and how learning to reconnect with ourselves can completely transform our health, relationships, business, motherhood, and overall fulfillment. Together, Erica and Shari dive into: ...
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#337 From Infertility to Pregnancy: Natural Fertility Support with Dr. Susan Fox
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with Dr. Susan Fox to discuss fertility, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, detoxification, stress, hormone balance, and women’s health. Dr. Susan shares how blood flow, nutrition, lifestyle habits, gentle movement, emotional health, and reducing toxic load can all support fertility naturally — whether you’re trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, or simply wanting to improve your overall health and hormone balance. Topics discussed include: Fertility support through acupuncture IVF preparation ...
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Kristin McGee on Women’s Fitness: Strength, Core, and Longevity
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Strength training for women is having a major moment—but are we missing something? In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, I sit down with Kristin McGee to talk about the evolving fitness landscape for women. We break down the myths around lifting weights, why women don’t need to fear getting “bulky,” and how strength training can be incredibly empowering. But we also dive into what’s often overlooked—the importance of balancing strength with mobility, core connection, and mindful movement like Pilates. If you want to feel stronger, move better, and create a sustainable...
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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 +...
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#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...
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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_outlineReady to learn what I’ve been up to, how it impacts you, and what it means for the future of fitness as I share personal insights from my podcast break? GOOD.
As exciting, raw, and eye-opening as these conversations can be, I record them so you can learn from the lessons I had to teach myself—the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of building instructor training programs as I reflect on the often-overlooked realities of pelvic floor health and share how I’m redefining holistic fitness education.
If you’re interested in learning more about your body—whether you’re a student, pursuing personal training, or building a full-time career—this episode is packed with insights, honest reflections, and actionable takeaways to help you deepen your connection with your body and reach your goals. I hope it serves you well.
Click play to hear all of this and…
(00:00:47) Why I took a podcast break and how it sparked new perspectives.
(00:02:58) Developing MY online and in-person instructor training courses.
(00:07:12) Women interested in pursuing part-time or full-time fitness careers and the need for training beyond outdated fitness practices.
(00:11:18) A simple tip you can incorporate into your movement practice to connect your brain to your body.
(00:12:03) The structure of the deep core and the interconnectedness of it all.
(00:12:57) The symptoms an overly tight pelvis can cause.
(00:14:37) The importance of breathwork in unlocking optimal core and pelvic floor function.
(00:16:12) The approach to movement that will get you deeper connections and greater results.
(00:17:27) The value of in-person work to develop body awareness overtime.
(00:19:06) Tactile cues, like using a soft ball, to retrain movement patterns and change biomechanics.
(00:23:56) Teen athlete injuries, such as non-contact ACL tears, are preventable with better stability training.
(00:25:10) The importance of slowing down to strengthen the deep core and calm the nervous system for better movement.
(00:27:52) The difference between belly breathing and diaphragmatic breathing.
(00:33:15) The next comprehensive instructor training program I'm creating.
For full show notes, visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/317
Other resources mentioned in this episode:
- Core Rehab Program: https://corerehabprogram.com
- Soft Exercise Ball: https://erica-ziel.myshopify.com/products/9inch-soft-exercise-ball
- Instructor Training Courses: https://www.coreathletica.com/instructor-courses
Grab your Free Pelvic Floor Guide for my tips on breathwork, core connection, and strengthening the pelvic floor: https://www.ericaziel.com/pelvicfloor