In this episode of Below Her Surface, Lily sits down with strength coach and educator Janis Blums to unpack what really drives resilient, functional and healthy bodies in a culture obsessed with shrinking them. From his background in elite sport, biomechanics and fascia to his work with some of Australia’s top models, Janis shares how he builds strong women in an industry that often rewards the opposite.
Together, Lily and Janis discuss:
• From bootcamps in the rain to Sweaty Soul - how Janis went from lugging tyres in parks to building a niche studio and becoming the go-to coach for major modelling agencies.
• Athletic roots and rehab – the high-jump, AFL and gymnastics background that shaped his obsession with movement, injury prevention and human performance.
• Fascia, length–tension and “storage for the nervous system” - how connective tissue, posture and bone position change strength, tightness and pain
• Mind–muscle connection and irradiation - the science behind his “10-second plank” and why gripping your hands, glutes and legs can wake up hard-to-reach muscles and stabilise your joints.
• Blocking, tempo and smarter squats – practical tweaks like shin blocks, isometrics and single-leg work that shift women out of quad dominance and into safer, hip-driven strength..
• GLP-1s and the new starvation culture – what worries him about Ozempic-style drugs
• Eating disorders, safety and re-feeding – the physiology of a starving brain and heart, the dangers of rapid re-feeding
• Raising the bar for coaches – why Cert III/IV is only the starting line, and Janis’ call for trainers to invest in neuroscience, women’s physiology and collaborative
• Strength as emotional armour – how lifting, breath work and honest coaching help women build the resilience
• Turning obsession into education – the story behind
• Turning obsession into education – the story behind his Delta X
