A Better Way with Kersten Kimura

You’ve been told all of your life that being sensitive is a weakness. It's time to flip the script and turn their sensitivity into a strength. Both physical and mental strength -- you are stronger than you thought!

The Easiest Way I've Ever Lost Weight (No Dieting Required) 08/01/2025

You're Starving Your Nervous System and Don't Even Know It 06/06/2025

I Reduced My Chronic Pain By 75% in 30 Minutes with This "Strange" Method 05/27/2025

3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting 'Too Muscular' as a Woman 05/23/2025

The 'Strange' Healing Methods That Ended Her Chronic Migraines & Years Of Restrictive Eating - with Laura Ricci 05/15/2025

The 'Strange' Healing Methods That Ended Her Chronic Migraines & Years Of Restrictive Eating - with Laura Ricci Start here: In today’s episode, my guest is dr Laura Ricci. Laura is a doctor of physical therapy, women’s health advocate, essential oils expert, and an avid weight lifter. Laura struggled with years of chronic migraines and for a period of time, they were literally a daily thing for her. Doctors had no answers for her, and she was close to signing up for surgery. She had already had 18 surgeries, one of them to remove a cancerous tumor from her abdomen and others to fix her hip pain, so she really didn’t want to have another surgery. She came across the Curable app and then Alan Gordon’s book “The Way Out”. She realized that her migraines aren’t actually anything dangerous. She started following the advice from the book, and soon realized: It wasn’t the weather, the gluten or dairy that were causing these headaches… It was her nervous system. Today, Laura is free from chronic migraines. She has some hip discomfort, but she eats all the foods, travels without worry, and lifts heavy weights at the gym. The second part of the podcast is dedicated to Laura's food and fitness journey. Laura shares with us how weight lifting has literally changed her whole life, and how she has gone from a woman who always used to stay small and felt like she needs to be hiding, to a woman who shows up at the gym, taking up the space she wants, and lifting heavier weights than she ever imagined. Laura had a long history with severe food restrictions. For over 3 years, she ate very low calories and was scared of many foods. She couldn’t enjoy the delicious traditional family treats and would bring her own food everywhere. She knew that something wasn’t right because she was getting symptoms of anxiety and depression. When we changed her diet and she started to eat more, her anxiety and depression completely went away. No pills needed. Check out today’s interview, I know that you’re going to find it really inspiring! Find Laura here: Emotionally Fit is my emotional awareness program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: Pinterest: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/36584275

The NEW Cognomovent Method for Stress and Pain Relief 05/02/2025

The NEW Cognomovent Method for Stress and Pain Relief Episode 387 Ep 387 Get started for free with my 14-Day Course: Today’s episode is with energy healer and Cognomovement practitioner Caitlin Proctor. Here’s what we talk about in this episode: Caitlin grew up in a very chaotic environment. Her Mom was always sick and in bed, and later also her Dad got very sick. Life always felt unpredictable The hardest thing for her was to be with herself. She always had multiple jobs, she turned to alcohol, etc - whatever it took to not FEEL One day, she booked a session with an energy healer. The impact that session had was life-changing: She released so many emotions and this one session was more powerful than years of therapy had been Her son got very sick when he was only 2. Caitlin healed him through energy healing, food and supplementation After a major surgery she had herself, she became very ill. Her breast implants were intoxicating her body… After years of trying to make her body look a certain way, she chose true HEALTH instead and removed the implants. She has since helped 34 women do the same! She had to face her fears about aging, and started seeing body changes as signs of wisdom and beauty She committed to healing her nervous system. The biggest driver for her was NOT wanting her kids to see their Mom bedbound, the way she had seen her Mom In addition to healing herself and her son, she also saved her husband from mental illness. They are free from any medications Now, Caitlin is a practitioner helping people heal their nervous system and change chronic patterns in the body and brain. Her clients are seeing amazing results! Tune in to today’s episode! Find out more about Caitlin here: Emotionally Fit is my emotional awareness program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: Pinterest: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/36408130

Learn From My 7 Years of Training Mistakes in 15 Minutes 04/26/2025

The Unexpected Effect of Calming Down Your Nervous System 04/18/2025

Ep 384: From Full Body Pain to Lifting Weights and Loving the Gym with Gaby Whiteside 04/11/2025

Ep 384: From Full Body Pain to Lifting Weights and Loving the Gym with Gaby Whiteside Episode 384 It’s time for another guest interview. This time, I’m talking to Gaby Whiteside whom I met in a chronic pain recovery group called Pain Free You (link below), when we both had bad chronic pain. Today, Gaby is completely free from chronic pain, lifting weights and saying that she absolutely LOVES the gym! Gaby had years of full body pain: From neck and back to even hands and feet. As is common with neuroplastic pain (TMS), doctors didn’t have answers for her. After a friend recommended the book “Mindbody Prescription” by dr John Sarno, Gaby realized that all her pain was caused by stress and tension, and that she needs to address her nervous system in order to recover. You’ll hear us talk about Gaby’s background as a ballet dancer Main contributors to chronic stress and tension which then lead to chronic symptoms How she started taking time every day to check in with herself and relax her body What were the main tools and practices that helped her to recover How she stopped being anxious about the future and instead focus on the present moment Lifestyle changes that Gaby made in order to help her recover, related to nutrition and rest How she found strength training and got started with it What was her first experience with lifting weights in her 50s (she had never done this before!) How she dealt with pain that she experienced when she started working out What are some hormonal struggles that she has encountered during menopause Why she encourages everyone to lift weights and why it also helps in menopause How has weight lifting supported her now that she’s back at dancing ballet And so much more! Thanks for tuning in! You can find Gaby here: Dan Buglio here: Check out my FREE 14-day course Strong + Sensitive, meant for Highly Sensitive People and people with TMS: This course combines mindset tools + FREE strength training workouts! Emotionally Fit is my new emotional healing program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/36096390

Ep 383: The Type of Training You NEED But Are Probably Ignoring — with Derrick Virassammy 04/04/2025

Ep 383: The Type of Training You NEED But Are Probably Ignoring — with Derrick Virassammy Episode 383 In today’s podcast episode I’m chatting with Derrick Virassammy, a good friend and an literally the BEST trainer I know when it comes to developing athletic fitness. It’s absolutely great if you are already working out, lifting weights or working out other ways that you enjoy and that benefit your health. But athletic training is something that you may not have thought about yet. You might even think: “Why do I need this? I’m not an athlete.” In today’s episode you learn that there are many reasons why you should also include exercises that train your ability to quickly change direction, maintain balance, improve your coordination, and even jump and sprint. Real life literally requires skills like that, because as Derrick points out, chasing your kids or reaching overhead to grab something from a high shelf aren’t performed in a perfect environment with both of your feet planted securely on the floor or weight of whatever you are carrying, distributed evenly. We will also discuss some of the common mantras that you might see in the fitness space, such as “No Pain, No Gain” or “If you don’t sweat, you’re not working hard enough”, why the super popular fitness influencers with huge followings aren’t always the most reliable source of health and fitness information, and why weight loss, even though the biggest selling point when it comes to fitness programs, may not be the most important thing about your overall health. We end the chat with some rapid fire questions where you can learn more about Derrick, including his favorite workouts, biggest pet peeves in and out of the gym and his biggest bucket list item. Enjoy! Get in touch with Derrick here: Instagram: and YouTube: Website: Check out my FREE 14-day course Strong + Sensitive, meant for Highly Sensitive People and people with TMS: This course combines mindset tools + FREE strength training workouts! Emotionally Fit is my new emotional healing program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/36002810

Ep 382: Five Lies About Strength Training for Women That You Need to Know About 03/28/2025

Ep 381: Why You Aren’t Able To Make Progress In Some Areas Of Your Life (It’s Your Nervous System!) 03/21/2025

Ep 381: Why You Aren’t Able To Make Progress In Some Areas Of Your Life (It’s Your Nervous System!) Episode 381 Are you feeling stuck in certain areas of your life? Like no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to make progress and move forward? That can happen because your nervous system is stuck in the past. Your nervous system can get stuck on repeat, replaying memories and emotions from the past over and over again. For example, when you right now feel anxious even though there is absolutely no real danger present, this likely happens because your current situation reminds your nervous system of something similar, even if just very remotely similar, from your past when there truly was danger. And just like that, it’s like you have time traveled back to that time when the dangerous thing actually happened. The data is saved in your nervous system! In this video, we'll explore why your nervous system might be holding you back and how you can break free. I will share with you some examples from my own life that demonstrate how old childhood memories from 30 years ago have been able to cause anxious responses in my nervous system. Of course, I will also share how you can change this so that your nervous system can learn to feel safe and not time travel back to when you were 8 years old. By understanding your nervous system and its role in shaping your experiences, you can see positive changes in your life. So, tune in! Check out my FREE 14-day course Strong + Sensitive, meant for Highly Sensitive People and people with TMS: This course combines mindset tools + FREE strength training workouts! Emotionally Fit is my new emotional healing program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/35803085

Ep 380: “When I Start Exercising, My Fatigue & Pain Will Only Get Worse” 03/14/2025

Ep 380: “When I Start Exercising, My Fatigue & Pain Will Only Get Worse” Episode 380 LAST 4 days to apply to work with me: In today’s episode, I want to discuss a common belief that people with neuroplastic problems, such as chronic pain, fatigue or anxiety often have, which is this: “When I move my body, I end up WORSE than before.” I was inspired to record this episode after a conversation that I had with my client who worked with me for a little over 6 months. Previously, she had had years of chronic sensations. When she contacted me for strength training, she had already gotten better using different modalities, but still had some symptoms and she had never strength trained. When I asked her what had kept her from starting strength training sooner, she didn’t need much time to think: It was the fear that her symptoms will get worse when she starts working out which of course means spending more energy that she didn’t have a ton of to begin with. That’s totally understandable, because if your body is in pain, you have intense fatigue or you suffer from anxiety, you want to do whatever it takes to make sure these things don’t get worse. So, you too may be telling yourself things like: What if I start to work out and my pain gets so bad that I can’t get up from bed anymore? What if I start to work out and my fatigue gets so intense that I can’t even make myself dinner? What if I start to work out and my anxiety gets so bad that I can’t leave my house anymore? I’ve heard similar fears from many people. But the interesting thing is when they started exercising, in many cases they actually had more energy, pain went down and anxiety reduced. And the same was true for my client as well. She didn’t get worse, she got better. Her symptoms and sensations actually went down. Sure, sometimes she would get a symptom during her workout, and then she told herself that she is perfectly fine and there’s nothing wrong with what she is doing. By now, she has lifted weights for 6+months! She said that at first she didn’t believe she could do it. Until she DID. She said also her husband couldn’t believe that she can do it. Yet, she DID. She said that she didn’t believe that she could work out 2-3 times a week almost every week since we started in March last year. She has DONE it. She didn’t think that she could be much stronger — she started with 10 lbs dumbbells, and the other day she accidentally (because she did the math wrong on her adjustable dumbbells!) lifted 60 lbs. Yes, she DID that! So, her fears didn’t come true. She didn’t get worse; she got better in countless ways!! And this is possible for you too! LAST 4 DAYS to use the discounted rate and sign up to work with me 1:1 and get individualized coaching: Check out this episode: 3 Life Changing Truths About Strength Training You can apply whether or not you have chronic symptoms! Check out my FREE 14-day course Strong + Sensitive, meant for Highly Sensitive People and people with TMS: This course combines mindset tools + FREE strength training workouts! Emotionally Fit is my new emotional healing program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/35683035

EP 379: Strength Training with Neuroplastic Symptoms (TMS): 3 Women Share Their Inspiring Stories 03/11/2025

EP 379: Strength Training with Neuroplastic Symptoms (TMS): 3 Women Share Their Inspiring Stories Episode 379 2 months customized 1:1 training plan and daily coaching: APPLY HERE! In today’s episode I want to share with you 3 short success stories from 3 women who all started strength training even despite having TMS / neuroplastic pain. And they all have great experiences to share! As I mentioned, what’s common to all of them is that they all have or had TMS pain / neuroplastic pain or symptoms. But what’s different about them is that they all were on very different levels when they started: Laura already had a lot of experience. Amanda had some, but not a lot and Annie was completely new. They ALL have made progress with their strength training as well as their pain / sensations! They are not afraid of their sensations, in fact, they are BETTER. Not to mention that they are physically stronger. As you may know, physical strength and muscle mass are one of the keys to healthier, happier and longer life. I hope this podcast inspires you and gives you SO much hope. I want to share these stories with you to show you that no matter where you are with your training or your pain, fatigue or anxiety, you can get better. You just need the right guidance, support and trust in your body. You will hear about these women’s experiences through their own words. After each one, I will stop for a moment to add some comments of my own, to further emphasize some of the points they talked about. Check out my FREE 14-day course Strong + Sensitive, meant for Highly Sensitive People and people with TMS: This course combines mindset tools + FREE strength training workouts! Emotionally Fit is my new emotional healing program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/35629690

Ep 378: 3 Life-Changing Truths About Strength Training that You Must Know About 03/08/2025

Ep 378: 3 Life-Changing Truths About Strength Training that You Must Know About Episode 378 Of course, you’ve very likely heard about the importance and benefits of strength training. But most people only see one piece of the story, which is fat loss or weight loss. And also the mental health benefits are starting to get more airtime which is awesome. But still, most people think that “Yeah, I know I should do it but life is busy so I get to it sometime later.” Or, “I think it’s too hard” or in case of neuroplastic pain: “I will wait until my pain is completely gone and I’ll start then.” To show you HOW important strength training really is, here are some facts for you… Women can lose as much as 20% of their bone mass in the first 5 years of menopause — if they don’t strength train. Bone loss happens primarily due to the decline in estrogen levels. What could such dramatic decrease in bone mass mean to someone? For example, that you’re more likely to fall because you can’t catch yourself when you trip over something. And when that happens then you’re more likely to break a bone. And when that happens… It’s going to take a very long time before that bone rebuilds. Strengthening muscle helps bone density because when muscles contract and pull on bones, which is what happens when you do ANY strength move, it is a signal to the body to also strengthen those bones. As a result, bone density and mass goes up. 2. Strength training is SO important for diabetes prevention. 38 million Americans are diabetic and 98 million prediabetic. Most people think that the #1 thing to do to prevent diabetes is to lose weight. I would argue that building more muscle mass is important. Muscle acts like a sponge for blood sugar, absorbing glucose from the bloodstream. If your muscle mass is low, you don’t have that sponge. You will also be less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that acts like a key to open up the cells for the glucose to enter. So without much muscle, and especially if your diet is not great, you can end up with constantly elevated blood sugar and insulin levels and may be on your way to diabetes. 3. Isometrics is one of the most accessible ways to start strength training. This should be great news to anyone new to training or anyone who has pain. Isometrics simply means holding a position (think pushing your hands against a wall without bending them, or doing a wall sit) and is very effective and safe for anyone who might have fear of exercise or who is completely new to it. Isometrics is also much less likely to make you sore; it’s very gentle on the joints; and it’s super hard to overtrain yourself with it! All these are reasons why you really shouldn’t wait to start strength training — YES even if you have neuropastic pain. YOU CAN START when you start very simple! Check out my 2-month strength training offer here. Applications are open until 3/17/25! Check out my FREE 14-day course Strong + Sensitive, meant for Highly Sensitive People and people with TMS: This course combines mindset tools + FREE strength training workouts! Emotionally Fit is my new emotional healing program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/35572180

Ep 377: How To Start Exercising Even If You Have Chronic Sensations 03/06/2025

Ep 377: How To Start Exercising Even If You Have Chronic Sensations Episode 377 Today’s podcast is 2-part: In part 1, I’m sharing with you a very practical tool that helps you to get started with strength training even if you have chronic sensations. You may have tried telling yourself: “I’m safe!” and repeated that many times, hoping that that will take down the feeling of intensity and anxiety. But nothing is changing, you still feel fear, the thought of working out and all the things that could go wrong are still present. If your body is in an overdrive, and you have physical sensations of hypervigilance and anxiety, it’s unlikely that words “Just calm down, you’re safe” will actually have the effect you wanted. You need to do something else, and I’m sharing with you what it is, in today’s podcast. In part 2, I’m going over the reasons why following workouts from YouTube or apps may not be the best choice for you. Yes, they may be very cheap or even free, but they are NOT designed for you personally. Unfortunately, they often also lack real structure, they don’t have rest breaks, and as mentioned, they definitely don’t take into account your personal needs, abilities and circumstances. Finally, if you have chronic, neuroplastic pain, it’s hard to find a fitness coach who doesn’t look at this from the perspective of fixing something physical — that’s what coaches do. But in the case of neuroplastic pain, you know that this isn’t helpful. Want to try working with me for 2 months? Check out this offer! Applications close on Monday, March 17th! Check out my FREE 14-day course Strong + Sensitive, meant for Highly Sensitive People and people with TMS: This course combines mindset tools + FREE strength training workouts! Emotionally Fit is my new emotional healing program for chronic pain or other chronic symptom recovery. You can find it here: If you are looking for a safe and effective, BEGINNER level strength training program, check out my brand new Train to Build STARTER: For an INTERMEDIATE level strength training program, check out Train to Build: Connect with me on Instagram: Facebook: Apply to work with me: Check out my website: /episode/index/show/balancedvibes/id/35557000