Shows
Meet Your BodyTaboo Topics with Pelvic Floor PT Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-ThomasPain with sex. Constipation. Incontinence. These are extremely common issues for women and yet aren't talked about enough! In today's Meet Your Body episode, we are learning all about the important topics around pelvic floor health and how you can feel empowered in this area of your health.In this amazing interview with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, we discuss general topics such as the importance of your pelvic floor and what to expect from pelvic floor physical therapy. We also shine light onto important topics such as pain, dilators, self assessment and how to...2025-05-0743 minMeet Your BodyMy Daily Schedule as a Physical Therapist, Business Owner and MomDo you ever wonder what a day in the life looks like for those you follow online? Today Jessica pulls back the curtain to tell you exactly what her daily schedule includes!You'll learn how she prioritizes the categories of her daily to do list, whether she gets up early for a specific morning routine, the areas she wishes she could put more attention towards and how she plans her workouts.Instead of giving advice for a "perfect" daily schedule, this is an episode that allows you to peek into the real life schedule of...2025-04-3045 minMeet Your BodyInfertility, Hormones and Support with Dr. Lora Shahine, MDInfertility, miscarriage and reproductive issues can lead to frustration and fear for women around the globe. Today's podcast episode offers education, information and support to anyone navigating their own fertility or aging journey.Dr. Lora Shahine is a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist and she brings her mission of being a trustworthy resource and voice in the area of women's health to the podcast today. Dr. Shahine and Jessica discuss how hormones change as we age, some common causes of miscarriage and infertility, the IVF process and common endocrine disruptors that surround us every day.2025-04-2351 minMeet Your BodyMy IVF StoryJessica's own infertility journey started in 2014 when trying to conceive with her second baby. She was thrown into a world of doctors, surgeries, nutrition, research and - ultimately - IVF in her path to ultimately conceive and give birth to her son in 2017.In today's episode, Jessica candidly shares her own experience with secondary infertility and IVF. You'll learn how she was ultimately told IVF was her only option, tools she used to nourish herself during this hard time, how she chose her doctor and more. This is a very personal episode that illustrates the myriad of...2025-04-1642 minMeet Your BodyEndometriosis, Hormones and AgingWomen diagnosed with endometriosis aren't typically informed of what changes occur with their symptoms as they enter the perimenopause and menopause transition in midlife. In today's episode, Jessica discusses what aging women can expect when it comes to the implications of endometriosis. You'll learn:⚫︎ Jessica's own experience with her endometriosis symptoms as she entered perimenopause⚫︎ What perimenopausal and menopausal estrogen changes can do to endometriosis symptoms⚫︎ HRT and endometriosis⚫︎ How to support and nourish your system through the aging processThis episode will help inform and empower any woman who's been diagn...2025-04-0936 minMeet Your BodyWeighted Walking Vests - Should you be using one?Weighted walking vests are extremely popular right now, especially for perimenopausal and post menopausal women looking at options for strength and bone health. But what exactly is a weighted vest and what does it do?In today's episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and women's health expert Jessica discusses everything you need to know about weighted vests. You'll learn:- What a weighted vest is- How to chose the right one for you- How to incorporate it into your workout routine- The benefits of using...2025-04-0222 minMeet Your BodyBetter Sleep - Why You Need It and How To Get ItA good night's sleep is one of the most important things our body needs for health, immune system, energy, brain function, hormones and mood. Yet in our hustle culture and midlife bodies, sleep can feel extremely hard to come by.In today's episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica discusses everything you need to know about getting better sleep. You'll first learn why sleep and rest is so important and should be prioritized for our health. You'll then hear the top six areas in which to focus in order to improve your sleep at night. You'll be given...2025-03-2634 minMeet Your BodyBody Connection with Dr. Hillary McBrideWhat if you saw your body as a someONE instead of a someTHING? What if you had strategies to remove stuck trauma in your body and feel more at home in your body? What if you were able to use connection and community to find even more empowerment and joy in your body? These are just a few of the powerful and important questions we address in our interview with Dr. Hillary McBride.Dr. McBride is an expert in embodiment and is one of our most trusted teachers when it comes to reconnecting to our body. She...2025-03-1951 minMeet Your BodyMy One Year Mastectomy UpdateJessica experienced a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction over a year ago due to a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode of Meet Your Body, she shares candidly about her journey to this point. Jessica discusses:- How her movement and strength is at this point- Her recent fat grafting surgery and whether she would do it again- The importance of looking to other women during this journey- And moreThis is a helpful and compassionate episode for anyone who themselves is walking a br...2025-03-1236 minMeet Your BodyExercise, Sex and Healing After Hysterectomy (Best Of)Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery for women in the United States. Yet, there is very little information available about how to prepare for and optimally heal from a hysterectomy. In the second episode of our hysterectomy series, we are talking about everything you need to know after your hysterectomy surgery. We will discuss what you can expect after surgery, the healing and recovery process, sex after hysterectomy and how to move and exercise after your surgery. Jessica will talk about her own hysterectomy surgery and the healing process she experienced, as well as the research b...2025-03-0525 minMeet Your BodyWhat To Know Before Your Hysterectomy (Best Of)Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery for women in the United States. Yet, there is very little information available about how to prepare for and optimally heal from a hysterectomy. In this first episode of our hysterectomy series, we will discuss everything you should know before your hysterectomy surgery. This will include the important questions to ask your doctor, the medical terminology that you'll want to become familiar with as it applies to a hysterectomy and some steps to take after a hysterectomy to improve your healing. Jessica draws on her own personal experience, as...2025-02-1923 minMeet Your BodyTips for Less Frequent Urination - How To Pee Less! (Best Of)Do you find yourself always looking for a bathroom? Do you do the "just in case" pee every time you leave the house? Do you wake up multiple times a night to urinate? This episode of Meet Your Body is for you! Today Jessica shares her own story with frequent urination and the three top tips you need in order to urinate less frequently throughout the day and night. Learn why the "just in case" pee is such a bad habit and the importance of exercising your pelvic floor. This episode will help you take so...2025-02-1226 minMeet Your BodyStress, Anxiety and The Power of Movement (Best Of)Stress and anxiety are a large part of our lives in this day and age. The problem is, chronic stress and anxiety can both cause disastrous longterm health issues if we don't address them. The good news is that there are tools and strategies we can start applying in our lives right now to help! In this episode, Jessica talks about the difference between stress and anxiety, her first panic attack, the importance of completing the stress cycle and how movement and exercise play key factors in addressing both stress and anxiety. There are...2025-02-0536 minMeet Your BodyEp. 75 - My Beginner Experience - Fear, Falling and Getting Back UpThis month we have been talking all about being a beginner in fitness, including how to feel supported, how to truly feel motivated and more.In today's episode, Jessica rounds out our series on being a beginner by telling her own recent story of being a beginner - in skiing.She explains her complicated past on the slopes, which led to fear and a little anxiety when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. She then talks through why she is trying it again and how it went on her recent first time back....2025-01-2938 minMeet Your BodyEp. 74 - Best Tips for Beginners in FitnessIt's time to celebrate being a beginner in fitness!In today's episode, Jessica talks about her top tips for being a beginner in fitness. She discusses:- How we all flow in and out of being a beginner at different points in live- Red flags to watch out for in other instructors and classes- Avoiding all or nothing mentality- How to successfully fit a workout into your lifeand more!If you want to feel encouraged, empowered and supported on your beginner fitness journey, this is...2025-01-1536 minMeet Your BodyEp. 73 - Motivation and Consistency in FitnessMotivation and consistency are two very important factors when it comes to fitness and longterm health.Unfortunately, those concepts are also laced with discouragement, guilt and shame when they are hard to achieve.In today's podcast, Jessica is breaking down the facts around why motivation and consistency may be hard for you. She dives into topics such as pain, injuries, trauma and more - all of which can lead to the real reason it's hard for you to stay motivated and consistent with workouts.She then lists actionable steps you can take to...2025-01-0933 minMeet Your BodyEp. 72 - What to Expect When You Have SurgeryToday we are continuing our important discussion from last episode about the best types of exercise for aging women! Last week we discussed the changes we go through as women as we age, why strength training is so important, the four types of exercise that are vital as we age and how to create a workout plan at home.This week Jessica is answering listener questions she received after that episode, which include:- How to lift weights with prolapse, knee pain and other injuries- What plyometric workouts look like...2024-12-1834 minMeet Your BodyEp. 71 - Exercise for Aging Women Part 2Today we are continuing our important discussion from last episode about the best types of exercise for aging women! Last week we discussed the changes we go through as women as we age, why strength training is so important, the four types of exercise that are vital as we age and how to create a workout plan at home.This week Jessica is answering listener questions she received after that episode, which include:- How to lift weights with prolapse, knee pain and other injuries- What plyometric workouts look like...2024-12-1127 minMeet Your BodyEp. 70 - Exercise for Aging WomenWe all know how important exercise is for our overall health. What you may not know is exactly what type of exercise is the most valuable as we age!Our bodies go through changes starting at the age of 30 that affect our bones, muscles, balance, strength, ability to lose weight and more. By understanding these changes and what types of workouts and exercise are the most valuable, we can embrace the aging process and stay strong, independent and functional throughout life!In today's episode Jessica will discuss:- The changes our bodies go through...2024-12-0537 minMeet Your BodyEp. 69 - You Don't Have to Run To Be HealthyThere is a common statement among some online fitness influencers right now saying that you aren't healthy if you can't run a mile without stopping.Jessica is here today to debunk that myth!In today's episode, Jessica discussed why running has been made out to be the gold standard in cardiovascular exercise and gives multiple alternative exercises for those who can't run. She also discusses the common injuries and conditions that make running inaccessible and emphasizes the point that you can be healthy even when experiencing things that prevent you from running!Today's...2024-11-1932 minMeet Your BodyEp. 68 - How I'm Dealing With Stress Right NowIn this personal episode, Jessica talks about what she's doing right now to deal with the stress and anxiety she's feeling around world events. We know that chronic stress and anxiety can have a detrimental affect on our health in general. While it can be hard to eliminate stress all together, there are some steps we can take to help make sure we move through it as best we can.This episode is for anyone who simply wants to know they aren't alone in any heavy feelings they may be experiencing right now. ...2024-11-1426 minMeet Your BodyEp. 67 - All About PostureBe ready to unlearn and relearn everything you thought you knew about posture!Most people think of sayings such as "stand up straight!" and "don't slouch!" when they think of having better posture. The truth around posture is actually much more personal and individual and opens up an easier and more accessible way to find your best posture!In today's episode, Jessica talks about the history of posture and why current research is now showing us a new way. She'll talk through the real definition of posture and how to find it for yourself. She'll...2024-10-3021 minMeet Your BodyEp. 66 - Muscle Recovery - The what, why and how of muscle recovery!In the fitness world, we often talk about how to workout, when to workout, what muscles to workout and more. What we don't always address is the importance of muscle recovery!Muscle recovery is the healing and repair that happens in your muscles after an intense or challenging workout. Without proper muscle recovery, we can experience pain, injury, fatigue and decreased motivation to continue exercising. In today's episode, Jessica talks about why muscle recovery is so important and how this has played out in her own life in the past six months. She also talks...2024-10-2441 minMeet Your BodyEp. 65 - Organization and the Invisible Mental Load Women CarryThe Invisible Load is a term used to describe the immense unseen weight many women carry when it comes to managing a household, community, family, friends, job and more. This load can become overwhelming at times, leading to a heightened nervous system and chronic stress.In today's episode Jessica addresses this issue and talks through some ways she tries to stay organized in order to keep the mental load to a minimum, stay present and avoid the chronic stress that has plagued her in the past.This episode will affirm the mental load you carry...2024-10-1035 minMeet Your BodyEp. 64 - Exercise Motivation for Women in Their 40'sMotivation is an important topic when it comes to exercise and movement, but the same tools for motivation don't work for everyone!In today's episode, Jessica talks you through exercise motivation specifically for women in their 40's. She'll discuss why it's different (hello hormones and kids and surgeries and work) and her top five tips for finding workout motivation during this stage of life.It's time we recognize the differences we face as women in our 40's, so we can move forward with power and strength for our specific needs! MOTIVATE Challenge s...2024-09-2637 minMeet Your BodyEp. 63 - Six Months After My MastectomyJessica experienced a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction over six months ago due to a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode of Meet Your Body, she shares candidly about how she's doing physically and mentally right now. She will address things such as her current exercise routine, when she was allowed to lift again, ways she still feels weak and the two overwhelming emotions she feels around her experience.This episode is for anyone going through a breast cancer diagnosis and/or mastectomy in order to help them know what to expect and to realize t...2024-09-1136 minMeet Your BodyEp. 62 - Currently...In today's episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica is catching you up on life lately!You'll hear what's happening currently, including...- Why she's so tired- How she feels about summer clothes in a new body since surgery- The new self-care tool she's obsessed with- Her changing views on social mediaAnd more!So let's catch up...Join UNLIMITED!https://jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimitedYouTube (workouts and tips):https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilatesResources, services & more:...2024-05-2929 minMeet Your BodyEp. 61 - My Food StoryOne of the most common questions Jessica gets is "what do you eat every day?" In today's episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica is finally diving into her own experience with food!She talks about her history with food growing up and all the iterations and twists and turns it's taken over the years. This includes learning about serving sizes (that was a surprise!), realizing that no carb diets are NOT for her and the moment she discovered eating gluten free could help her endometriosis symptoms.Jessica talks you through her personal experience so you...2024-05-2229 minMeet Your BodyEp. 60 - All About Hormones with Expert Ali DamronToday we are so excited to bring you an interview with Ali Damron!Ali is a hormone expert and she specializes in helping people navigate various symptoms and seasons of life that occur when our hormones change. In today's podcast episode, Jessica and Ali discuss:- The definition of hormones and why they are important- The one meal to help keep your hormones healthy- HRT- The power of walkingAnd more!Join us for this episode packed with valuable information and actionable tips so you can feel...2024-05-0150 minMeet Your BodyEp. 59 - My Perimenopause Update - One Year LaterJessica discovered her first perimenopause symptoms right around her 45th birthday. She committed to learning more about perimenopause and how to support her body during this confusing and often misunderstood time!In today's episode, Jessica is giving you an update on what she's done over the past year to address her perimenopause symptoms. She'll tell you what is working for her - including the number one thing helping right now.Make sure to check out our other perimenopause resources below, and join UNLIMITED for May 2024 where we will dive into all things hormone health, perimenopause...2024-04-2426 minMeet Your BodyEp. 58 - My Full Breast Cancer Story and Q&AJessica was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2023 and had a bilateral mastectomy six weeks later. She is now twelve weeks out from her surgery and is here giving you the full story of her diagnosis, treatment, surgery and rehab. Jessica answers all of the questions she's received from you all, including if she had symptoms prior to diagnosis, why she chose a mastectomy, what treatment looks like now and her advice on how to support friends and loved ones on this same journey.Breast cancer is a road no one wants to wa...2024-04-1757 minMeet Your BodyEp. 57 - People Pleasing - My experience, why it's harmful and how to stopPeople pleasing is something many of us do in various aspects of our lives. What we don't always realize is the serious negative effects it can have on our sense of worth, our relationships and our outlook on life.In today's episode, Jessica tells you about her personal history and story with people pleasing and what happened recently to make her really dig deep into this subject. She tells you the negative side effects of living as a chronic people pleaser and ends with a few really important take aways that you can start to apply in...2024-04-1045 minMeet Your BodyEp. 56 - Life Lately and There Isn't Always A ReasonWelcome to season three of Meet Your Body!In today's episode, Jessica talks about her life lately. You'll get an update on her double mastectomy recovery and how she's doing both emotionally and physically. Jessica then talks through an important concept she's noticed since being diagnosed with breast cancer last year. It involves the fact that sometimes there is no clear reason a health issue occurs. Sometimes ish just happens.Find out more on today's episode of Meet Your Body. Complete Core Challenge and UNLIMITEDhttp://www.jes...2024-03-2125 minMeet Your BodyEp. 55 - Alabama court case, IVF and the implications for familiesWhile Jessica typically doesn't talk about current events, she is making an exception today to discuss the recent Alabama Supreme Court decision surrounding IVF. In this episode, Jessica explains the details surrounding this case and the wide reaching implications it has for reproductive care and the families desperately looking to have children.Her goals for anyone listening are to increase the conversation around compassion for others and the understanding that there is nuance when it comes to decisions around people's bodies - it's not black or white. As a physical therapist, women's health advocate and I...2024-02-2227 minMeet Your BodyEp. 54 - The First Month After My MastectomyFour weeks ago, Jessica had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction after a recent breast cancer diagnosis. In this very personal and vulnerable episode, Jessica talks through what her experience has been like after her surgery. She discusses everything from compression bras to drains to pain and physical limitations.She also talks through the exact things that were helpful to have after surgery and that she would recommend for anyone going through the same thing.Whether you are personally experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis and potential surgery or you have a friend or family member who...2024-02-1455 minMeet Your BodyEp. 53 - How to Prepare for SurgeryHaving surgery can be a major life event. If it's something you need to go through at any point, it's important to know how to prepare so you can set yourself up for the best possible outcomes.In today's episode, Jessica talks you through nine specific things to help you prepare for any major surgery. These include the importance of asking questions of your doctors, moving your body prior to surgery, knowing what you'll need when you get home from the hospital and more.Jessica draws on her experience as a physical therapist, as well...2024-01-1138 min