173: Rachel Selman on Breaking Barriers and Building Careers for Women in Fitness
Release Date: 11/20/2024
The Practice Brave Podcast
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rose El-Sharouni, a Jiu-Jitsu black belt, about her powerful journey through pregnancy and postpartum as an athlete. We dove into how women's roles in Jiu-Jitsu have evolved, the critical importance of community support, and how training needs to adapt during pregnancy. From physical and emotional adjustments to reconnecting with your body, Rose and I talked about the importance of gradual training, the link between breath and movement, and how to navigate the unique demands of competing postpartum. We also addressed the common...
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
In today’s episode, I sat down with the amazing Alicia Erickson, and wow — what a powerhouse of wisdom, grit, and light. Alicia is 51, vibrant, incredibly strong, and living proof that aging doesn’t mean slowing down — it means evolving. We talked all about how she’s embraced fitness, mindset, motherhood, and midlife with passion and intentionality. 👋 Connect with Alicia: Instagram: @ Website: Coaching + App: Thanks so much for tuning in! If you’re navigating motherhood, fitness, or finding yourself in the midlife shift, this one’s a must-listen....
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
In this powerful and heartwarming episode, I sit down with two incredible P&PA (Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism) coaches — Katie Doerksen and Julie Chutter — to highlight how they’ve each built meaningful coaching practices while honoring their roles as mothers and leaders in their communities. Katie, a mom of three from rural Alberta, opens up about her transition from kindergarten teacher to strength coach and co-founder of Girls Who Lead — a program blending leadership development and physical literacy for young girls. She shares how she’s helping the next...
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
I’m so excited to have Tara LaFerrara join me today as we dive deep into coaching women, navigating fitness through different life stages, and redefining what it means to be strong and confident. Tara and I connected recently, and we quickly realized how much overlap we have in our coaching philosophies and the women we serve. She’s been in the fitness industry for years, coaching both in-person and online, and she recently launched her app, Broads, which is all about helping women take up space and feel strong in their bodies. The discussion also touches on the challenges of body image,...
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
In this episode, I chat with Mallory Holmes, a P&PA coach, about her journey from athlete to coach and the lessons she learned along the way. She shares her struggles with postpartum recovery, including injuries and a lack of awareness about pelvic floor health. We discuss how she built her fitness coaching business, the importance of creating a strong community for mothers, and how she opened a gym in a rural area to make fitness more accessible. Mallory also emphasizes the power of coaching education, body awareness, and mindset in helping women feel strong and empowered. Whether...
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with Katelyn Darkangelo, a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism coach. Katelyn shares her inspiring journey from being a fitness enthusiast to becoming a successful coach, highlighting the importance of in-person training and community building. She opens up about her transition into the pregnancy and postpartum space, the challenges she faced along the way, and how she built her business to serve this unique population. Together, we dive into the intricacies of building a thriving postpartum coaching business, discussing effective business models, pricing...
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Coates to dive into the importance of building meaningful connections within the fitness industry. We explore how fitness education has evolved, the role of networking and mentorship, and the impact of social media on coaching. Together, we discuss the narratives that shape our identities as coaches, the realities of running a successful coaching business, and the evolving landscape of client relationships in an industry that’s rapidly changing. We also touch on the importance of human connection, personal branding, and how...
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
In this episode of the Practice Brave Podcast, I sit down with Joelle Cavagnaro to discuss the evolution of fitness and nutrition, especially for women navigating different life stages. We dive into the impact of social media on fitness culture, the importance of evidence-based coaching, and how misinformation can shape our approach to health. This conversation with Joelle is a refreshing take on the complexities of fitness, nutrition, and motherhood. We break down what really matters when it comes to health, debunk the fear-driven messages that flood social media, and encourage women to...
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Kari Pearce—4-Time Fittest American Female, seven-time CrossFit Games athlete, lifelong competitor, and soon-to-be mom! We dive deep into her journey through pregnancy, training adaptations, and the mental shifts required as an elite athlete navigating a brand-new chapter of life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Kari transitioned from elite-level training to pregnancy fitness The mindset shifts required to adapt training goals Why down-regulating tension (instead of adding more) is key for female...
info_outlineThe Practice Brave Podcast
In this episode, I chat with Shanna Birchett, a mother of six and dedicated runner, about rediscovering her passion for running after a medical setback and motherhood. We discuss balancing training with family life, the benefits of strength training, postpartum mental health, and the impact of a supportive coach and community. Shanna encourages moms to embrace their current season while pursuing their fitness goals. Follow Shanna on Instagram at @motherhood_running where she shares her journey, training, and inspiration for fellow moms navigating fitness and life. Join me at the...
info_outlineIn this episode, I welcome Rachel Selman back for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape for women in strength and conditioning. Rachel, a physical therapist with strength and conditioning and sports science certifications, shares her journey from being a young professional in a male-dominated field to her current role within the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) nomination committee. We discuss women's unique challenges in the field, including balancing motherhood, overcoming gender bias, and finding innovative ways to support female coaches and athletes.
Takeaways:
- Rachel Selman is a physical therapist and NSCA member.
- The strength and conditioning field is male-dominated but changing.
- Women face unique challenges in strength and conditioning careers.
- Balancing motherhood and career is a significant challenge for women.
- Supportive work environments are crucial for women in the field.
- Mentorship plays a vital role in women's success in strength and conditioning.
- There are various career paths within strength and conditioning.
- Women need to advocate for their needs in the workplace.
- The future of women in strength and conditioning looks promising.
- Creating a community of support is essential for female athletes.
Where to find Rachel Selman:
- Instagram: @dr.rachelselman
- Website: SynthesisPhysicalTherapy.com
Want to learn more about coaching female athletes? Check out the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Certification here: https://briannabattles.com/ppacoach
MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:
The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.
You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.
Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.
Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!
Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!