Meant to Move

In this episode, Vanessa Leone and her group therapist Emma discuss the profound impact of sound healing and music therapy on wellness and movement. They explore the science behind sound healing, the effects of vibration on the body, and the instruments used in sound healing practices. The conversation delves into the biological responses to music, the emotional connections we have with different genres, and how to create motivating playlists for movement. Emma emphasizes the importance of finding the right sound healing practitioner and the benefits of sound healing in promoting relaxation and emotional release.You’ll learn about:Sound healing is a therapeutic tool: it helps release stored emotions in the body.Music has a profound biological effect: it motivates movement and enhances physical performance.BPM (beats per minute) influences how we move to music: Create playlists that enhance motivation for exercise and movement.Emotional connections to music can trigger memories and feelings.Finding a practitioner you resonate with is crucial for effective sound healing.Our Favourite quotable moments:"Music motivates, right?" - Emma"BPM affects how we move to music." - Vanessa"Music is magic for so many." - EmmaIf you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review! Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Emma MastersEmma Masters is an internationally acclaimed fitness presenter, educator, and business owner with nearly two decades of experience in the health and fitness industry. Having held senior roles, including Group Exercise Manager for Virgin Active in both Australia and the UK, Emma has established herself as a leader in the field. Emma is founder of Experience Age Consultancy, a company dedicated to group fitness education + boutique fitness consultancy as well as co-founder of Therapy Fitness, a studio and brand that aims to 'change the feeling of fitness' by focusing on the mental and emotional benefits of movement alongside physical wellness.Instagram: instagram.com/ema_masters instagram.com/therapyfitness_auWebsite: https://www.experienceageconsultancy.com/ https://www.therapyfitness.com.au/About Your Host:Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

In this episode, Vanessa and OD discuss the concept of rehabilitation, exploring its emotional and mental aspects, and how it can be redefined in the fitness industry. They emphasize the importance of addressing not just the physical injuries but also the emotional responses that come with them. The conversation delves into various tools for recovery, such as vibration and percussion therapy, and offers practical advice for those on their healing journey.You’ll learn about:Rehabilitation needs to be redefined and repurposed.The emotional aspect of injury is often overlooked: Mental health plays a significant role in physical recovery.Rest alone does not facilitate healing, movement is essential: Healing starts immediately after an injury occurs.Asking questions from health professionals is crucial for recovery: You deserve to find a supportive health professional who listens.Tools like vibration therapy can enhance recovery.Our Favourite quotable moments:"Rehab is a dirty word almost now." - Vanessa"Rest doesn't fix many things." = OD"You deserve to be heard and seen." - VanessaIf you are interested in real life movement therapy get in touch with Vanessa.Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Ian O’Dwyer:Known to many as OD, Ian O’Dwyer’s multifaceted expertise spans the roles of Movement Coach, Sports Conditioner, Personal Trainer, Body Worker, Global Educator, Author, and Mentor. A former semi-professional athlete now based in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, he blends expertise in movement coaching, tissue health, and performance conditioning with a holistic, inclusive approach. As a global educator, mentor, and innovator, he has co-founded industry-shaping organizations like PTA Global and Feel SOMA, challenging conventional fitness philosophies. Ian’s ability to observe, connect, and create immediate change empowers individuals to move with ease and joy. His mission is to shift the focus from limitations to sustainable well-being, inspiring people worldwide to embrace movement as a transformative experience.IG - feel.somaFB - /feelsomaWebsite: https://www.feelsoma.comAbout Your Host:Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

In this conversation, Vanessa Leone and Rory discuss the challenges and benefits of running and breathwork. Vanessa shares her struggles with running, while Rory, a breathwork coach, emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between jogging and running. They explore the mental and physical benefits of running, including mindfulness and emotional release. Rory highlights the significance of nasal breathing for better performance and hydration. They also touch on the importance of patience, progressive overload, and the role of music in enhancing the running experience. The conversation concludes with Rory's advice to lace up and enjoy the process.You’ll learn about:Running should be enjoyable and not intimidating: The playful aspect of running is often lost as we age.Running can serve as a form of mindfulness and emotional release.Progressive overload is essential for improving running ability.Run-walk strategies can be beneficial for all levels of runners.Breathing techniques can enhance running efficiency, performance and recovery.Our Favourite quotable moments:"Running is meant to be enjoyed." - Rory"It shouldn't be intimidating." - Rory"Running for me is mindfulness." - RoryIf you’re loving the podcast, share with a friend!Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About [Guest]:Originally from Scotland and now based in Sydney, Rory is a breathwork coach, speaker, and long distance running and endurance athlete passionate about helping people optimise their mental and physical health. He has worked with thousands of individuals and hundreds of high-performing teams, from corporates to elite athletes across Australia, the US, and the UK. Rory uses breath, sound, and nervous system regulation to reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance performance. Currently he partners with brands like lululemon, Whoop, Apple and Technogym.Website: https://www.rorywarnock.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rorywarnock_/About Your Host:Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

In this conversation, Vanessa and her partner discuss practical cooking hacks, the importance of understanding recipes and their nutritional value, and how to enhance meals with vegetables and fibre. They emphasize the significance of meal planning to reduce decision fatigue and explore the concept of comfort food, balancing indulgence with nutrition. The discussion also covers practical cooking tips, the value of cookbooks and free resources, and the importance of flavour experimentation in cooking. Personal connections to food and the joy of cooking are highlighted, along with final thoughts on enjoying meals and the cooking process.You’ll learn about:Utilize free resources like magazines for recipes: Don't be afraid to modify recipes to suit your needs.Understand the nutritional value of recipes you follow: Incorporate more vegetables and fibre into meals.Meal planning can help reduce decision fatigue.Cooking can be a way to connect with memories and emotions.Don't hesitate to try new recipes and learn from failures: Experiment with flavors and ingredientsOur Favourite quotable moments:"Cooking can be a way to show love." - Michael"Don't be afraid to go off recipe." - Michael"Turn off the TV and enjoy your meal." - MichaelIf you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review! Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About our guest Michael Fisher:Michael is Vanessa’s partner and shares her ethos of being better. Michael is passionate about food, coffee and the English Premier League club, Arsenal. Michael has been a natural bodybuilder since the age of 21. Michael is an enthusiastic and accomplished home cook and is meticulous and disciplined in the way he plans meals with a balanced approach that is focused on nutritional value, and adequate protein and fibre that all contributes to sustainable and healthy habits, as well as enjoyment of food. Michael emphasises the important role of gut health in overall well being.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfisher1410/About Your Host:Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

In this engaging conversation, Vanessa Leone speaks with Tony Eames, the owner of Calm Bar, about his journey from a corporate career to the wellness industry. They explore the importance of recovery practices such as breathwork, saunas, and ice baths, discussing their transformative effects on mental and physical health. Tony shares his personal experiences and insights on how to approach these wellness practices, emphasizing the need for balance and listening to one's body. The conversation highlights the significance of community support in the wellness journey and encourages listeners to embrace their unique paths to health and well-being.You’ll learn about:Recovery is essential for mental and physical health.Breathwork can significantly impact stress levels.Ice baths can be transformative but require a personal approach.Saunas offer both relaxation and health benefits.It's important to listen to your body and adjust practices accordingly.Our Favourite quotable moments:"It's not one thing that’s the answer — it’s part of the bigger picture." - Tony"Start it when you're busy. Even 30 seconds is a win." - Vanessa"Controlled stress helps build resilience."- TonyIf you are interested in real life movement therapy get in touch with Vanessa.Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Tony Eames:Tony Eames is the founder of CalmBar in Rozelle — a unique wellness space where science meets soul, offering infrared sauna, ice baths, breathwork, and sound healing experiences.  As a master breathwork facilitator, Tony guides powerful, heart-opening journeys that help you release stress, tune into your body, and reset your nervous system. With years of experience in both the corporate the wellness sector, through the power of the breath he offers deep, transformative experiences that shift energy, clear the mind, and offer you the opportunity to connect.Website: www.calmbar.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmbar_/About Your Host:Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

In this episode of the Meant to Move podcast, host Vanessa Leone engages with Luke and Zoe from Muscle Nerds to explore the multifaceted world of strength training and fitness education. They discuss the definition of strength training, the importance of context in training, and the common misconceptions surrounding health and fitness. The conversation delves into the significance of specificity in training, the impact of personal experiences on training perspectives, and the balance between aesthetic goals and functional strength. They also touch on the importance of movement therapy and the need for a balanced training program that caters to individual needs.You’ll learn about:Strength training is about applying tension to muscles: Functional strength is essential for longevity.Context is crucial in understanding fitness advice: Listening to your body is key to effective training.Health is not just the absence of disease.Movement therapy can take many forms, including walks and light exercises.Balance between cardio and strength training is important.Our Favourite quotable moments:What is strength training? - VanessaContext makes the water clear. - ZoeHealth is not being crippled in your 60s. - LukeIf you’re loving the podcast, share on your socials!Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About The Muscle Nerds - Luke Leaman & Zoe Knight:Luke and Zoe own an online (and in-person) education company in the health and fitness industry. Their courses are targeted towards Coaches who want to understand how and why different training methods, exercises, 'diets' and other variables actually work. Our goal is to create critical thinking coaches, who understand enough of the foundational physiology, that they can come up with solutions on their own (as opposed to teaching step a), step b), step c) type content).Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musclenerds_education/About Your Host:Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

In this insightful conversation, physiotherapist Nicola Andreacchio joins Vanessa Leone to discuss the often-overlooked world of pelvic health. Nicola shares her unexpected journey into pelvic floor physiotherapy and highlights the crucial role it plays in both male and female health. From taboo topics like erectile dysfunction and painful sex to broader issues such as endometriosis, prolapse, and hernias, they explore the physical and emotional implications of pelvic dysfunction. Emphasizing empathy, education, and the importance of listening to one’s body, Nicola advocates for de-stigmatizing these discussions and prioritizing preventative care to improve quality of life across the lifespan.You’ll learn about:Everyone has a pelvic floor: The pelvis is a central hub affecting many bodily functions.Pelvic health issues are often stigmatized and not discussed openly: Communication is key.Men also experience pelvic health issues like erectile dysfunction and prostate health.Women should not only seek pelvic health support during pregnancy.Chronic pain can often be linked to pelvic health issues: Preventative healthcare can help avoid long-term pelvic issues.Our Favourite quotable moments:Everyone has a pelvic floor, and it's crucial for health. - NicolaCommunication is key in discussing pelvic health concerns. - NicolaChronic pain can often be linked to pelvic health issues. - NicolaIf you’re loving the podcast, share with a friend!Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Nicola Andreacchio]:Nicola is a pelvic floor physiotherapist from Melbourne, Victoria. She first started working as a general musculoskeletal physio in 2018 and then accidentally fell into the world of pelvic health in 2020. She works with men, women, children and trans clients to help with dysfunction of the pelvic floor and this includes things like toilet training challenges for kids and bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction in adults.Website: https://www.pelvichealth.melbourneAbout Your Host:Vanessa holds a BSc in Sports Science and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a respected Movement Therapist, she combines scientific and holistic approaches to deliver high-quality training for both individuals and groups. Driven by a passion for learning and improvement, Vanessa's mission as an expert generalist is to help others find betterment in their lives. Vanessa trains clients and fitness professionals across Australia, consults for Technogym, and is an accomplished presenter at International Fitness Conferences. Her guiding ethos is simple: do things BETTER!

In this 20th episode of Meant to Move, host Vanessa Leone chats with her father, Nick Leone—affectionately known as “Papa Producer.” Together, they reflect on the evolution of the podcast and discuss key themes and insights from previous episodes. They highlight the importance of individualized movement, emotional connection, pain awareness, social exercise, nutrition, breathwork, and the joy of play. Nick shares his behind-the-scenes role, personal experiences, and lessons learned from guests with diverse backgrounds. The conversation emphasizes practical wellness approaches and concludes with reflections on how small, mindful habits can spark meaningful change in health and life.You’ll learn about:Movement should be joyful and individualized: it’s important to leave a session feeling better than when you arrived.Pain is a common experience that needs to be addressed in fitness.Research and credibility are crucial in health and fitness practices.Play and movement are essential for maintaining vitality as we age.Small, achievable changes can lead to significant improvements in health.Our Favourite quotable moments:Movement fills me with joy and purpose. - VanessaNow that I move more, I don't get as many pain episodes as I used to. - NickIf I haven’t hit my step goal, I’ll walk around the kitchen bench for 20 minutes. - NickIf you’re loving the podcast, share with a friend!Resources:In Sydney? Train with Vanessa in person! Get in touch/Join my mailing list: Website or Instagram.About Nick Leone:Nick is Vanessa’s father and is a retired customs officer. He has been dubbed “papa producer” by Vanessa for his behind the scenes work in helping produce the Meant to Move Podcast and bring it to air. He credits Vanessa for inspiring him to increase his movement and exercise activities, helping him to maintain a healthier lifestyle, improved mobility, and joyful playtime with his granddaughter. About Your Host:Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as an expert generalist, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.