#153 IT Band

Have you ever gone for a run after a long break and felt pain in your knees after? That’s your IT band talking to you! Daphnie explains what the IT band is, why it seems to cause pain at the drop of a hat, and the cheap and easy solution to getting back on your feet in no time. Plus, we talk reality TV diets in “This is Crazy, Right?”

Links in this episode: Good image of knee with IT band and bursas, How to foam roll your IT band, Our past episodes on Knees, Quads, Hamstrings, and Foam Rolling. Join us on Patreon!

#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

#136 Hamstrings

Hamstrings aren’t just sitting there waiting for dads to pull them while playing touch football at Thanksgiving. They’re one of our biggest muscle groups! Learn how they work, when we use them, why we injure them so often, and what to do to prevent it. Plus, Daphnie gives us her current favorite smoothie recipe in “What Your Trainer Eats”!

Links in this episode: More about hamstrings including some good images, Our episode on headaches with Jan Mundo, Daphnie's current favorite protein/collagen powder.
Form videos: deadlifts, bridges, hamstring curl, foam rolling your hamstrings.

#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

#131 Quads

Quads are one of the biggest muscle groups in the body, but do you actually know what they do? Daphnie says most of us are quad-dominant, and “not in a good way”. This week, she explains the role our quads play in everyday mobility and suggests some of her favorite exercises to keep our muscles balanced. Plus we give poor Daphnie a heart attack in “This is Crazy, Right?”

Links in this episode: Graphics of the quads, Our past episodes on How to Build Functional Strength, Injuries and Prevention, and Recovering from Injuries. Form videos: leg extension,  standing quad stretch, foam rolling quads

#109 Physical Therapy with Dr. Ray Ednie

Most of us will get referred to a physical therapist at some point in our lives, but how can we tell if we have a good one, and what are they actually supposed to be doing for us? Daphnie’s physical therapist, Dr. Ray Ednie, joins us to talk about how to make the most out of your physical therapy experience. Plus, we find out what Daphnie is like as a patient...

Links in this episode: Ray’s practice in NYC, Rock climber Alex Honnold, Database of certified PTs by specialty

#097 Plantar Fasciitis

A listener asks if Daphnie has tips for cardio you can do with Plantar Fasciitis, and we take a deep dive into this super common, and super debilitating, foot problem. What IS your plantar fascia anyway? Is there anyway to stop it from itis-ing? And once you’ve got it, how can you get your sweat on without hurting yourself? We’ve got answers (Daphnie always has answers.)

Links in this episode: A good Plantar Fascia image from Mayo, Video of stretches for Plantar Fasciitis from the Cleveland Clinic, Video of arch stretch, Yoga Tune Up balls, Massage therapy ball set on Amazon Prime

#087 Workout Safety

Working out is supposed to make us feel more awesome, so we definitely don’t want to exercise and end up injured, sick, or worse. This week, Daphnie gives us all the info on how to stay safe when we work out, from how to perfect our form in the weight room to why we should probably think about bringing our own yoga mats to class (hint: the reason is SUPER GROSS). Plus, we take a trip down memory lane to KFC in “Best Choice”.

 Links in this Episode: Our episode on Improving Your Form, Squat form, Deadlift form, Plank form, Push-up Form, Bent Over Row Form, Tips for running safely outdoors