#148 Shoulders

We carry a lot on our shoulders these days: giant purses, laptops, and the consequences of bad computer posture and hours of cell phone use. It’s no wonder that a lot of us have shoulder pain! Daphnie helps explain what our shoulders are made of, what causes all that pain, and what exercises we can do to strengthen our body’s biggest and most complicated joints. Plus, we go taco crazy in “Best Choice”.

Links in this episode: How to find a PT near you, Dr. Laura’s website if you need a chiro in NYC, Joanna’s grown woman backpack, Popsocket phone grip, Our episodes on Chest Muscles, Triceps, Arms, and Back Muscles

#141 Ankles & Sprains

Most of us have sprained an ankle at some point, but not all ankle sprains are alike. Some seem to heal overnight; others can put you on crutches for weeks. Daphnie explains what causes ankle sprains, why some are worse than others, how to handle recovery, and what exercises we can do to keep them from happening.

Links in this episode: Anatomy of the ankle. Form videos: side lunges, curtsey lunges, calf raises

#132 Knees

Knees can seem like the human body’s weak spot, but are they really? If there are activities you’re avoiding because of knee problems (or fear of future knee problems) Daphnie is here to help shift your perspective. She explains what’s behind common knee problems and what you can do to strengthen and support the largest joints in your body.

Links in this episode: Support us on Patreon! Here's a good image of the human knee. Form videos: Glute bridge, squats, lunges, deadlifts, lateral lunges

#027RR Abs

Everyone wants hot abs, and everyone on the internet will tell you how to get them if you hand them $50 and make room in your apartment for some weird metal torture device. In this episode, Daphnie explains what your ab muscles actually are and why they’re so important (they’re not just for looking hot, people). Joanna does a series of ab exercises punctuated by loud groaning. Plus, Daphnie gives us snack advice in What Your Trainer Eats.

Links in this episode: Abdominal muscle anatomy drawing, plank form, side plank form, reverse crunch form, full sit up form, Superman form

#036 Ow My Back

Sometimes it seems like everyone has back problems, doesn’t it? Backs are complicated (so many muscles PLUS a spine!) but there is a lot we can do to try and keep ourselves pain free. Daphnie explains some back anatomy (backnatomy?) and gives us some easy tools for preventing and treating pain. Plus, we learn another one of Daphnie’s Favorite Exercises.

Links in this episode: Spinal Anatomy image, Back Muscles Anatomy image, Stiff by Mary Roach, Superman form, Plank form, Side plank form, Single leg bridge form, Our Ab episode, Superman lat pulldown