Advertise on podcast: Meet Your Body with Jessica Valant, MSPT

What if food wasn't something you needed to control, fear or feel guilty about? What if it could simply be something that nourishes you, supports your health and brings you joy? We've spent years being told what we should and shouldn't eat. Avoid carbs. Eat more protein. Cut out sugar. Count your calories. Follow the rules. But somewhere along the way, many of us have lost sight of what food is actually meant to do for us. In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and Pilates teacher Jessica Valant explores how to change your relationship with food, let go of unnecessary food rules and find more freedom and enjoyment in eating. You'll learn: Why food is so much more than calories, macros and nutrients How childhood experiences, diet culture and wellness trends shape our beliefs about eating The difference between helpful nutritional guidance and rigid food rules Why guilt, shame and labeling foods as "good" or "bad" can make eating more complicated How to recognize hunger, fullness and satisfaction without turning them into another set of rules Practical strategies to build a more positive relationship with food Why knowing your own body is vital to making food choices that are best for you Jessica shares why letting go of food rules doesn't mean giving up on nutrition or your health goals. You can prioritize protein, fiber and nourishing meals while still enjoying dessert, celebrating with family and eating foods you love. This episode will help you begin approaching food with more curiosity, flexibility and trust so that eating becomes one more way to care for your body rather than something you have to fight against. SPONSORS: ➡️ Get 20% off your water purifier from AquaTru with code MEETYOURBODY - ⁠⁠⁠http://www.aquatru.com⁠⁠⁠ Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED app and free three day trial: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you hear the term "mind-body exercise," you probably think of Pilates, yoga, tai chi or somatic movement. But isn't the mind involved in every type of exercise? And what if we could bring the benefits of mind-body awareness into everything we do? In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and Pilates teacher Jessica Valant explores what mind-body exercise actually means, the science behind the mind-body connection and why she believes we should rethink how we categorize movement. From strength training and walking to Pilates and yoga, Jessica explains how bringing more intention, awareness and connection into our workouts can change the way we experience exercise and relate to our bodies. You'll learn: What the fitness world means when it uses the term "mind-body exercise" Why Pilates, yoga, tai chi and somatic movement are traditionally included in this category What proprioception, interoception and motor learning tell us about the connection between our brains and bodies The physical and mental health benefits associated with mind-body exercise Why mind-body awareness doesn't have to mean slow, gentle or easy movement How strength training, walking, running and other forms of exercise can incorporate mind-body principles Simple ways to bring more awareness, intention and connection into your current exercise routine You don't need to practice yoga, take a Pilates class or meditate to experience a mind-body connection. And you don't have to be perfectly mindful during every minute of exercise! Whether you love lifting weights, walking, Pilates, running or something entirely different, this episode will help you understand how to bring more intention and connection into the movement you're already doing. Sponsors Beam Minerals - Get 20% off with code MEETYOURBODY at the ⁠⁠link here⁠⁠ Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED app and free three day trial: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ How To Create a Workout Plan & Schedule: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000760480305 ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems like everywhere we turn, there's another wellness trend promising to help us look younger, feel better, live longer or optimize our health. Full-body scans, peptides, weighted vests, skin treatments, supplements, hormone therapy—the list is endless! But how do we decide what's actually worth doing? In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and women's health expert Jessica Valant shares the aging and wellness trends she's currently embracing, the ones she's choosing to skip and the personal reasons behind those decisions. At 48, with a history of breast cancer, endometriosis, multiple surgeries and changing hormones, Jessica has learned that more testing, more treatments and more wellness strategies aren't always the answer. Jessica also explains two important things: Just because she's choosing not to do something doesn't mean it isn't beneficial for someone else. And just because she's skipping it today doesn't mean she won't reconsider in the future. This isn't about finding the perfect anti-aging routine or convincing everyone to make the same choices. It's about learning to evaluate health trends through the lens of your own body, medical history, goals and quality of life. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by everything you're supposedly supposed to be doing to age well, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to do it all. Sponsors Beam Minerals - Get 20% off with code MEETYOURBODY at the ⁠link here⁠ Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED app and free three day trial: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Overwhelm and Health Information: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000728219871 ⚫︎ Supplements I'm Taking and Why: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000730727240 ⚫︎ Weighted Vest podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000701897928 ⚫︎ My Perimenopause Journey: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000653471907⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walking is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of movement we have. But with all the current emphasis on strength training, lifting heavy and changing how we exercise as we age, many women are starting to wonder: Is walking actually enough? The answer depends on what you mean by “enough" and includes nuance and specifics. In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist Jessica Valant breaks down the benefits—and limitations—of walking and explains where it fits into a well-rounded exercise routine. You'll learn: The proven physical and mental health benefits of walking Whether you really need to get 10,000 steps a day The difference between treadmill and outside walking Whether walking can help maintain muscle and bone strength Where walking falls short when it comes to strength, muscle, power and healthy aging The difference between activity and structured workouts How walking fits alongside strength training, Pilates, cardio and mobility Jessica also explains why the question “Is walking enough?” may be the wrong question in the first place. Walking doesn't have to do everything to be incredibly valuable. For someone who has been sedentary, walking may be one of the best places to start. For someone focused on building muscle and strength, walking alone probably isn't enough. And for someone trying to create a sustainable exercise routine for long-term health, walking can be an important piece of the bigger picture. If you've ever wondered whether your daily walks really “count,” how many steps you need, or if you should be doing something more, this episode will help you understand exactly what walking can do for your body—and where you may want to fill in the gaps. Don't stop walking because someone told you it isn't enough. Understand what walking does well, keep the movement you love, and add what your body needs from there. Sponsors: ➡️ Get 50% off and free breakfast with code meetyourbody50off - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.factormeals.com/meetyourbody50off Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Three day free trial to UNLIMITED: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ 20 Minute Dumbbell Workout: https://youtu.be/zRayn_kDjZw ⚫︎ Weighted Vest Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000701897928 ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Toned” is one of the most common words in fitness. We are told we should want toned arms, toned legs and a toned stomach. We believe certain workouts will give us “long, lean muscles,” while heavier weights might make us “bulky.” But what does being toned actually mean—and can you really tone a muscle? In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist Jessica Valant breaks down the physiology behind muscle tone, muscle definition and the appearance we often describe as “toned.” She separates fitness marketing from what is actually happening in the body and explains what to focus on if becoming stronger and more defined is one of your goals. You'll learn: What muscle tone actually means from a physiological perspective What most of us really mean when we say we want to look “toned” The roles muscle mass, body fat and genetics play in muscle definition Whether you can spot-tone areas like your arms, stomach or thighs The truth about “long, lean muscles” and whether certain workouts can create them Whether lifting heavier weights will make women bulky What actually helps if increased muscle definition is one of your goals Why just focusing on harder workouts and fewer calories isn’t the answer If you've ever wondered whether you should lift heavier, do more reps, lose body fat, change your workouts or find the perfect exercise to “tone” a specific area, this episode is for you. It will give you science and actionable tips while also placing the focus on what really matters - you feeling strong, independent and empowered in your body.  Sponsors: ➡️ Get 20% off your water purifier from AquaTru with code MEETYOURBODY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.aquatru.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ How to Start Lifting Weights: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000719787855 ⚫︎ Progressive Overload: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000755983233 ⚫︎ Weight Loss Tips for Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000758876585⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women over 40 are hearing the message loud and clear: You need to strength train. You need to lift heavy. You need to build muscle. But what does that actually mean—and how much strength training do you really need? In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist Jessica Valant breaks down the science and practical realities of strength training for women in midlife and beyond. She explains why maintaining muscle and strength becomes increasingly important as we age, while cutting through some of the confusing and conflicting messages surrounding exercise for women over 40. You'll learn: Why strength training becomes increasingly important as we age What actually counts as strength training What “lift heavy” really means—and why heavy is different for everyone How many days a week you should strength train What progressive overload is and simple ways to use it The major movement patterns to include in a well-rounded strength program Where Pilates fits into strength training Why walking and cardio still matter How perimenopause, menopause, pelvic floor concerns, osteoporosis, previous injuries and recovery can affect your approach Jessica also explains why strength training doesn't need to be complicated or extreme to be effective. You don't need to spend every day in the gym, lift the heaviest weights possible or give up the other forms of movement you love. Whether you're completely new to strength training or wondering if your current routine is enough, this episode will help you build a realistic, effective approach that works for you. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Free three day trial to UNLIMITED https://app.jessicavalant.com/sign-up ⚫︎ How to Start Lifting Weights ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000719787855⁠⁠ ⚫︎ About Progressive Overload ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000755983233 ⚫︎ 20 Minute Beginner Dumbbell Workout: ⁠https://youtu.be/zRayn_kDjZw⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we help kids grow up feeling safe, confident and connected to their bodies in a world that constantly tells them that looks and size determine their value? In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and women’s health expert Jessica Valant shares eight practical ways parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers and other trusted adults can help children develop a healthy relationship with their bodies. Jessica explores why the goal doesn't have to be teaching kids to always love their body as it grows and changes. Instead, we can help them build something deeper: a lifelong partnership with a body they can trust, believe in and enjoy. You'll learn: How to teach kids that their body is their partner—not something they need to fight, fix or control Why focusing on what bodies can do can be more powerful than focusing on appearance How the way adults talk about their own bodies influences the children around them What to say when kids notice body differences, experience changes or compare themselves to others Why using correct anatomical language matters for confidence, communication and safety The importance of social media boundaries for kids Why giving kids autonomy, respect and ownership of their bodies matters Jessica also shares how messages from her own childhood shaped her relationship with her body and how raising her own children has challenged her to examine the words, habits and beliefs she models for them. We can't protect kids from every message they'll hear about their bodies. But we can give them something powerful to carry with them: the understanding that their body deserves respect, care and partnership through every season of life. If you're raising, teaching, coaching or caring for kids, this episode offers practical tools for helping them build a relationship with their bodies that can last a lifetime. Sponsors: ➡️ Get up to 20% off Beam Minerals with code MEETYOURBODY: http://www.beamminerals.com/meetyourbody ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ THREE DAY FREE TRIAL of Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalant.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant Pilates app: Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this personal episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica Valant shares her own HRT journey: the symptoms that finally pushed her to consider hormone therapy, the questions and concerns she had before starting, what she tried first, what helped, what didn’t, and where she is now eight months later. Jessica talks openly about the physical changes that were affecting her quality of life - joint and muscle pain and significant mood changes - and how she began trying to understand what role hormones might be playing. She shares: Why vaginal estrogen was a game-changer for some of her symptoms The adjustments she made concerning her endometriosis Why she initially started testosterone and estrogen and later added progesterone The questions she asked about HRT given her breast cancer history and the conversations she had with her medical team What she learned from tracking symptoms, making adjustments and giving the process time The importance of using exercise, nutrition and nervous system nourishment as foundational health habits Where she is now after eight months of HRT Jessica also shares the emotional side of the decision: fear, uncertainty, weighing potential risks and benefits and accepting that there may not always be one perfect answer. This isn't a prescription for what anyone else should do. Jessica is a physical therapist and women’s health expert, but in this episode she is sharing her experience as a woman navigating her own complicated hormonal transition. Whether you're considering HRT, already taking it, or simply trying to understand what the process can look like in real life, this episode offers an honest and nuanced look at one woman's experience. Sponsors Factor Meals - Get 50% off with code MEETYOURBODY50off at the link here Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Hormones in Perimenopause and Menopause: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000787395575⁠⁠ ⚫︎ HRT 101: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000788838984 ⚫︎ About the Women's Health Initiative Study: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000788451085⁠ ⚫︎ My Perimenopause Journey: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000653471907 ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hormone replacement therapy is having a resurgence—but HRT isn’t one medication, one dose or the right choice for every woman. In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and women’s health expert Jessica Valant breaks down what hormone replacement therapy actually is, what it can—and can’t—do, and the important factors to consider when deciding whether HRT might be right for you. Jessica walks you through the three hormones you hear about most in the menopause conversation—estrogen, progesterone and testosterone—including why each might be prescribed and the different ways they can be taken. You’ll learn: What HRT is and who might be a good candidate The differences between estrogen, progesterone, progestins and testosterone Pills, patches, gels, creams and vaginal estrogen—and why the route of administration matters What changes after a hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries Special considerations for women with a history of breast cancer or endometriosis What “bioidentical” hormones actually means Why the timing of starting HRT matters The proven benefits of HRT The questions to ask your healthcare provider when considering hormone therapy Most importantly, this isn't a conversation about whether HRT is simply “good” or “bad.” Your age, symptoms, medical and surgical history, personal risk factors, goals and preferences all matter. Whether you’re curious about HRT, already taking hormones or have been told hormone therapy isn’t an option for you, this episode will give you the information and questions you need to have a more informed, individualized conversation about your health. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Hormones in Perimenopause and Menopause: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000787395575⁠ ⚫︎ About the Women's Health Initiative Study: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000788451085 ⚫︎ Podcast references: ⁠Dr. Heather Hirsch and Dr. Kelly Casperson ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2002, the results of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) changed the conversation around hormone replacement therapy almost overnight. Millions of women stopped taking HRT, prescriptions plummeted, and fear around estrogen, breast cancer and heart disease shaped women’s healthcare for the next two decades. But what did the WHI actually study—and what did it really find? In this short episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica breaks down the history of the landmark Women’s Health Initiative, why the hormone therapy trial was stopped early, and how its findings were interpreted and communicated to women. You’ll learn: What type of estrogen and progestin were actually used in the WHI Why the age of the women in the study matters What researchers found about breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots and fractures The important differences between the estrogen-only and estrogen-plus-progestin trials Why absolute risk and relative risk told very different stories How the WHI differs from the way many women use hormone therapy today What decades of follow-up research have taught us about HRT, timing and individual risk The WHI wasn’t simply a “bad study,” and its findings shouldn’t be ignored. But its results also shouldn’t be applied to every woman, every hormone and every form of HRT. This episode puts the study back into context so you can better understand where our fear of hormone therapy came from—and what the research actually tells us today. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Hormones in Perimenopause and Menopause: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000787395575 ⚫︎ Podcast references: You Are Not Broken episode 225 and unPAUSED episode The Truth About Estrogen ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What actually happens to your hormones during perimenopause and menopause? In fact, what are hormones anyway and why are they important? We hear constantly that estrogen is dropping, progesterone is disappearing and testosterone is changing—but the real story is much more nuanced. In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and women’s health expert Jessica Valant breaks down the science of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone throughout a woman’s lifespan. She explains what each hormone does in the body, how hormone levels normally rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle, and what begins to change as women enter perimenopause and eventually menopause. You’ll learn why estrogen doesn’t simply decline during perimenopause but instead becomes unpredictable, what roll progesterone plays in mood regulation, why testosterone is important in women and how decreasing hormone levels can affect everything from bones and muscles to sleep, sexual health, stress management, itchy skin and more. This is the first episode in a three-part series designed to take the confusion out of hormones and HRT. In order to really feel empowered in the aging process it's important to understand three things from today's episode: what these hormones actually do, how they change and why those changes matter. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Motivation and consistency in fitness: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000683343498⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it so hard to stay consistent with the health habits we know are good for us? In this episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica breaks down the five keys that are essential to creating health habits you can actually stick with—without relying on willpower, guilt, or an unrealistic overhaul of your life. She discusses how to find a meaningful why, keep things simple, make health habits fit into real life and busy schedules, evaluate whether what you're doing is actually working and learn to play the long game instead of expecting immediate results. Drawing from her own experiences and years of working with women as a physical therapist and movement teacher, Jessica offers a realistic and compassionate approach to consistency. If you’ve ever started strong only to get overwhelmed, fall off track, and wonder why you can’t just “be more disciplined,” this episode will help you approach health habits differently. You'll learn how to make them stick without all the overwhelm and complication and how to help your future self in the process. Sponsors: ➡️ Get 20% off your first order at Beam Minerals with code MEETYOURBODY ⁠⁠⁠http://www.beamminerals.com/meetyourbody⁠ Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ BUILD Program - Four weeks of home workouts, recipes, habits and support for your longterm health! ⁠https://app.jessicavalant.com/for-sale/build-program⁠ ⚫︎ Motivation and consistency in fitness: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000683343498 ⚫︎ Sleep Tips ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000700931343⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this short Connections episode, Jessica is sharing what matters most to her when she creates workouts for you—and how those priorities shaped her new four-week BUILD Program starting September 1st. She talks about why she believes your workouts should help you build strength and confidence while also supporting your body, meeting you where you are, and giving you a clear plan you can actually follow. She also gets into details about when you should chose a dedicated leg day versus a full body day. Finally, she shares a little about what you can expect from BUILD and why she is so excited to spend these four weeks moving, getting stronger and building together. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Sign up for Jessica's BUILD program that starts September 1st! https://jessicavalant.com/build-in-unlimited ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all want more energy and somehow it seems that running on empty is a normal part of life. Your energy isn’t an unlimited resource—and understanding what’s draining yours may be the key to finally feeling better. In this episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica Valant introduces a simple but powerful way to think about your energy: your personal energy bucket. During seasons of back-to-school chaos, poor sleep, caretaking, stress, hormonal changes, work demands, and the mental load of keeping everyone else moving, that bucket can empty faster than we realize. Instead of expecting yourself to somehow find a limitless supply of energy, Jessica shows you how to identify what’s draining your reserves, understand your own capacity, and intentionally build your energy back up. You’ll discover: Why energy works like a personal bucket—not an unlimited supply The everyday drains that quietly deplete your reserves, including stress, poor sleep, dehydration, overextending yourself, and lack of boundaries Why your individual circumstances can dramatically change your energy capacity The highest-impact ways to refill your bucket through movement, sleep, nutrition, hydration, and nervous system support What to do when you need a quick energy boost before a big meeting, travel day, workout, or nonstop family schedule How boundaries, asking for help, and saying no can be just as important for your energy as what you eat or how you exercise Jessica also shares the habits that have changed her own energy over time—from intentional sleep routines and morning hydration to protecting her time, asking for help, and learning to say no without guilt. If you’ve been wondering why you feel depleted even when you’re doing “all the right things,” this episode offers a kinder and more practical question: What’s emptying your bucket—and what actually helps fill it back up? Listen for a realistic approach to creating more energy, protecting the reserves you already have, and feeling more steady when life inevitably throws the next curveball. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ BUILD Program - Four weeks of home workouts, recipes, habits and support for your longterm health! https://app.jessicavalant.com/for-sale/build-program ⚫︎ Workout Schedule for Women: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000722952202⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Nourishing your nervous system podcast episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000733951049⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Sleep Tips ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000700931343 ⚫︎ Cured Rise and Flow - use code JESSICAV for 15% off Rise https://go.shopmy.us/p-80518105 Flow https://go.shopmy.us/p-80518175 ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors: ➡️ Get 50% off Factor Meals and free breakfast with code MEETYOURBODY50off ⁠http://www.factormeals.com/meetyourbody50off⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this short and personal Connections episode, Jessica talks about the eight lessons she's learned as a parent as her kids go back to school. From being their safe place to answering hard questions to simply making sure they have snacks at all times, this is a fun yet meaningful conversation around supporting yourself and the kids in your life. If you act as a caregiver in any capacity for kiddos during this back to school season, this episode is a must listen! Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ THREE DAY FREE TRIAL - Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts and resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Youth sports podcast episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000753070125 ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices