Podcast appearances and mentions of jennifer heisz

What role does exercise play in our mental health? On this episode, we'll explore the science behind the impact physical activity has on our brain function.  Joining us is Dr. Jennifer Heisz, who is a leading expert on the neuroscience of exercise and the Director of the NeuroFit Lab at McMaster University. She's the author of the book, "MOVE THE BODY, HEAL THE MIND: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep".  Her website is https://www.jenniferheisz.com.".

Want to ease anxiety, boost your mental health AND feel happier? Dr Jennifer Heisz is a scientist who's studied the impact of exercise on the brain. She's unveiled the secrets of the ideal exercise regime for optimum brain health. And here's the kicker - it's SUPER achievable & will give you the motivation to stick with your workouts. Today Dr Heisz is going to share the science & how you can use it to improve your mental health. If you're looking for some motivation & inspiration to get moving, I promise you're going to be super fired up & ready to go after this conversation. PSA: The podcast is now also available on Youtube if you'd like to see our smiling faces while you listen! This episode is brought to you by YouFoodz, for $200 of your first 5 boxes use the code HELPFUL or order via this link. CONNECT WITH USConnect with That's Helpful & Ed Stott on Instagram. Find Jennifer on Instagram & via her website. BOOKMove The Body Heal The Mind Intuitive Eating Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - edwina@edstott.com

We're continuing our theme of New Year New You segments. One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to lose weight and get in shape; and we've discussed before how exercise can be not only beneficial for the body but our minds as well. In this week's edition of Dr. Greg Davis on Medicine we revisit an in depth interview with Jennifer Heisz, author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind (available through Harper Collins). Heisz is an Associate Professor in Kinesiology and Associate Director (Seniors) of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence at McMaster University.

This January Jumpstart episode explores how movement strengthens your mind, body, and immunity. What if exercise could unlock your brain's creativity and make you happier, healthier, and more focused?Neuroscientist Dr. Jennifer Heisz and physician Dr. Gabrielle Lyon reveal how movement strengthens your mind, body, and immunity. Learn how to reframe exercise as playful self-care, not monotonous drudgery. Discover how muscle builds resilience against disease while microbursts of activity boost cognition. Small steps create big rewards when you tap the mind-body connection through joyful motion. Get science-backed insights on gaining strength, focus, and joy through intuitive movement.Episode TranscriptYou can find Dr. Heisz at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Dr. HeiszYou can find Dr. Lyon at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Dr. LyonWe want to hear from YOU! Record your responses to the challenge or questions you have along the way and email them to support@goodlifeproject.com. We may include your reflections in an episode.If you LOVED this episode, Find all of the January Jumpstart - Your 2024 Good Life Awakening episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED.Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4 of Defy Dementia focuses on exercise and its critical role in reducing dementia risk. We first speak to Ernestine Shepherd, an 87-year-old bodybuilder. Ernestine shares how exercise became her anchor during a challenging phase in life and why it remains a vital part of her daily routine today. Then, we turn to Dr. Jennifer Heisz, a brain health expert from McMaster University, an adjunct scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute and a triathlete, to hear about the ways in which exercise can protect the brain against cognitive decline and dementia. Don't miss this exciting new episode to learn how you can use exercise to boost your brain health.   Tell us what you think! Provide feedback about the Defy Dementia podcast, video and infographics by filling out a short survey. Additional resources:·       Arnold's Pump Club Newsletter – from Arnold SchwarzeneggerBaycrest's Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and WellnessDr. Jennifer Heisz' book, Move the Body, Heal the MindRegular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills – from Harvard HealthExpert Alert: Keep exercising: New study finds it's good for your brain's gray matter – from the Mayo ClinicWorking out boosts brain health – from the American Psychological AssociationHow Exercise Protects Your Brain's Health – from the Cleveland ClinicHow exercise can boost brain power – from the University of British ColumbiaHow to Exercise for Better Brain Health, According to Experts – from EatingWell

"Five percent of the U.S. adult population suffers from full-blown seasonal affective disorder (SAD),” says Norman Rosenthal, M.D.  Norman, a world-renowned psychiatrist, joins us to discuss his must-have tips to combat the winter blues (and prevent them before they even become an issue), plus: - How SAD can happen in the summer (~00:18) - The main drivers of SAD (~03:01) - How SAD affects women vs. men (~07:05) - How the holidays play a role in SAD (~09:04) - The role of anticipation in seasonal depression (~13:53) - How to prepare for the winter blues (~16:32) - How much sunlight do you need to thrive? (~20:26) - How to adapt to daylight savings time (~23:22) - The power of routines for combating SAD (~27:07) - How climate change impacts seasonal depression (~30:37) - How social media & technology pay a role in SAD (~37:13) - The future of SAD research (~39:37) - The best exercises for mental health (~41:34) - Why it's so important to talk about SAD (~43:06) Trigger warning: This episode includes mentions of suicidal ideation and sexual assault. You're never alone. If you or someone you know are struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline for confidential support. Referenced in the episode: - 5% of U.S. population suffers from SAD. - Read Norman's Washington Post feature. - Norman's website. - Norman's books. - A study on natural light & circadian rhythm. - mbg Podcast episode #389, with Jennifer Heisz, Ph.D. - Start your 30-day free trial with WHOOP. - Sign up for The Long Game.  We hope you enjoy this episode sponsored by WHOOP, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We loved our episode with Dr. Jennifer Heisz so much that we needed to chat about it some more. We talk about how we like to incorporate movement that isn't exercise, how moving helps us think better, combining movement with social connection, and learning new skills no matter your age! To hear the rest of the episode, come join the Foodie Fam: https://www.patreon.com/FWNTT Check out our book! https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/ Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata

We all know the physical benefits of exercise, but today we talk about the brain benefits. How does exercise impact depression and anxiety? How can exercise help keep our brains young? Should our exercise habits change depending on our mental health? Today, we speak to Dr. Jennifer Heisz, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University. Check out her book Move the Body, Heal the Mind. To get weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam: https://www.patreon.com/FWNTT Check out our book! https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/ Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata

The number of Americans over the age of 65 is projected to more than double in the next forty years, increasing from 40.2 million in 2010 to 88.5 million in 2050. As many of us. know from personal experience, we start to have problems remembering names or where our car keys are or whether we took our morning pills. Specifically for Seniors in conjunction with a program instituted by Hebrew Senior Life and the residents of Orchard Cove, a senior living facility near Boston has embarked on a series of presentations about maintaining cognitive health. Today we are going to discuss the benefits of exercise on your brain from the perspective of non-scientists but rather from the viewpoint of those who work on a day-to-day basis with older adults.  Chris Young, has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology and is senior fitness instructor and Tim Parke, DPT a Board Certfied Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical therapy. Both work at Orchard Cove. We discuss the benefits of exercise on both the body and brain, exokines and cytokines, lactate, the brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), aerobic exercise and strength training, mind and body exercise, VO2 Max, the benefits of exercise for those with physical limitations and the safety of exercise. Chris and Tim further stress the importance of movement. Tim Recommends: Move the Body, Heal the Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep by Jennifer Heisz, PhD (https://a.co/d/1UDyetU)

What role does exercise play in our mental health? On this episode, we'll explore the science behind the impact physical activity has on our brain function.  Joining us is Dr. Jennifer Heisz, who is a leading expert on the neuroscience of exercise and the Director of the NeuroFit Lab at McMaster University. She's the author of the book, "MOVE THE BODY, HEAL THE MIND: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep".  Her website is https://www.jenniferheisz.com/   We're excited to tell you about another great product from our sponsor, Ritual.  It's called Synbiotic+ and it's a daily 3-in-1 clinically-studied prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic designed to help support a balanced gut microbiome.  Ritual's Synbiotic+ provides two of the world's most clinically studied probiotic strains to support the relief of mild and occasional digestive discomforts, like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.  Synbiotic+ and Ritual are here to celebrate, not hide, your insides. It's time to listen to your gut!  Ritual is offering our Nobody Told Me! listeners 10% off during your first 3 months.  Visit ritual.com/NTM to start Ritual or add Synbiotic+ to your subscription today.

Jennifer J. Heisz, PhD., is an inspiration when it comes to her approach to brain health - having experienced mental health issues earlier in life and witnessing the impact of exercise on her own brain, she decided to switch her research focus and investigate how exercise could aid in improving mental health. She directs the Neurofit Lab which focuses to understand how exercise can help improve the functioning of our brains and what could potentially be treated with physical activity. With this knowledge that movement has a positive impact on brain functions, she has created Neurofix workouts which aim to give participants coping mechanisms to help them through whatever mental health challenges they are working through. Dr. Jennifer J. Heisz's work cannot be overlooked and highlights the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and particularly physical activity when looking after your brain health. There is so much to take away from this episode and we hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did! Move the Body, Heal the Mind:https://www.jenniferheisz.com/book.html https://www.jenniferheisz.com/index.html neurofitlab.ca * Text us! +1 (406) 272-8217 * For Feel Good Friday text us FEELGOOD * For Mindset Monday text us MINDSET * Text us PODSQUAD with your questions

When we think about the benefits of exercise, we tend to think of what it does for our body, making us leaner, stronger, and healthier. But my guest is out to emphasize the powerful effect physical activity has on our brains too, and just how much our bodies and minds are connected.Dr. Jennifer Heisz is a professor, the director of the NeuroFit Lab which studies the effects of exercise on brain health, and the author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind. Today on the show, Jennifer and I first discuss how physical activity can help treat mental disorders. She shares the way that low to moderate intensity exercise can mitigate anxiety, and how short bouts of intense exercise can be used as exposure therapy for treating panic disorders. We also talk about the phenomenon of inflammation-induced depression, and how exercise can alleviate it. And Jennifer shares how exercise can strengthen someone's attempt at sobriety, as well as prevent addiction in the first place. From there, we turn to the way exercise can not only mitigate mental maladies but actually optimize the mind. Jennifer shares how physical activity fights aging, and can enhance your focus and creativity. We discuss how exercise can improve your sleep, how it can be used to shift your circadian clock, and whether it's okay to work out close to your bedtime.Resources Related to the EpisodeAoM Podcast #589: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and CourageAoM Podcast #741: The Exercise Prescription for Depression and AnxietyAoM Podcast #585: Inflammation, Saunas, and the New Science of DepressionAoM Podcast #775: We Need a P.E. RevolutionAoM Podcast #575: Counterintuitive Advice on Making Exercise a Sustainable HabitThe NeuroFit Lab toolkit for overcoming obstacles to exercising consistentlyConnect With Jennifer HeiszJennifer's WebsiteJennifer on TwitterJennifer on InstagramThe NeuroFit Lab Website 

Elissa Epel, Ph.D.: “Ritual is the foundation of relaxation.” Elissa, an internationally renowned health psychologist and stress researcher, joins mbg co-CEO, Jason Wachob, to discuss science-backed, actionable tips to reduce your mental burden, plus: - Elissa's background & work at UCSF (~00:31) - The link between telomeres & longevity (~02:27) - How to increase telomere length (~05:42) - The best type of exercise for longevity (~09:22) - How hot & cold therapy can ease anxiety (~11:16) - The best diet for longevity & mental health (~14:31) - The connection between resistance training & healthy aging (~19:23) - How sleep plays a role in telomere length (~23:03) - How to measure your telomeres (~25:45) - How telomere length gets passed down by generation (~29:44) - Why you become more emotionally resilient as you age (~35:01) - How to “think” yourself younger (~36:34) - Why you should reframe how you think about stress (~41:00) - How to let go of control & manage stress (~42:28) - How to increase your resilience muscles (~43:25) - How prioritizing your time can reduce stress (~52:45) - How rituals can help you relax (~55:39) - Elissa's daily stress-busting routine (~01:01:14) - The future of longevity & the mind-body connection (~01:03:01) - One thing you can do today to better manage stress (~01:06:45) Referenced in the episode: - Elissa's book, The Stress Prescription. - Elissa's previous book, The Telomere Effect. - A study on aerobic exercise & reduced stress in caregivers. - A study on omega-3's & telomere length. - A study on body temperature & depression. - Research on sauna bathing health benefits. - Elissa's study on soda & telomeres. - A study on sleep & telomere length. - A study on passing on telomere length. - A study on mindfulness training & moms. - A study on self-silencing & mortality. - mbg Podcast episode #389, with Jennifer Heisz, Ph.D. - mbg Podcast episode #453, with Aric Prather, Ph.D. - Aric's book, The Sleep Prescription. - mbg Podcast episode #459, with Gabor Maté, M.D. - mbg Podcast episode #397, with Becca Levy, Ph.D. - mbg Podcast episodes #411, #293, and #29, with Mark Sisson. - Learn more about the John W. Brick Foundation. - Learn more about telomere testing. - Check out mbg's sleep support+. - Sign up for The Long Game. Take 20% off metabolism+ with code BOOST20. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout. We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com.

On today's podcast, I have the inspirational Dr. Jennifer Heisz who is an expert in brain health. She directs the Neuro Fit Lab, which has attracted over 1 million to support her research program on the effects of exercise for brain health. Dr. Heiss received a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in brain health and ageing. Dr. Heisz says research examines the effects of physical activity on brain function to promote mental health and cognition in young adults, older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease.Dr Heisz has also written a book called Move the Body, Heal the Mind where she reveals groundbreaking research on how fitness and exercise can combat mental health conditions such as anxiety, dementia, ADHD, and depression and offers a plan for improving focus, creativity and sleep. She also mentions that exercise's anti-inflammatory properties make it the most effective treatment strategy for those who are depressed and don't respond to anti-depressants.Find more information on Dr Jennifer Heisz: Website: https://www.jenniferheisz.com/index.htmlInstagram: @dr.jenniferheiszBook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Move-Body-Heal-Mind-Depression/dp/0358573408 Follow Poppy:Instagram: @poppyjamieWe'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode, please email contact@notperfectpodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Jennifer Heisz is a mother to one daughter and an expert in brain health. She is associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University and directs the NeuroFit Lab which focuses on the effects of exercise on brain health. Jennifer received her PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from McMaster and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Brain Health and Aging at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital. Her research examines the effects of physical activity on mental health and cognition in young adults, older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. She joins us today to discuss her first book, Move The Body, Heal The Mind, which explores her groundbreaking research on how fitness and exercise can combat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and dementia, as well as improve our focus, creativity and sleep.

This week I was excited to welcome Dr. Jennifer Heisz to the show to discuss her new book, Move the Body, Heal the Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep. This was a really motivating conversation about the incredible benefits of exercise and movement on not only our body's fitness but our brain's functions. Dr. Heisz unpacks a host of benefits that exercise has on cognitive functions, memory, creativity, and of course productivity. In addition to discussing the many benefits that movement and exercise can have on creativity and focus in our work lives, Dr. Heisz also discusses the litany of ways that exercise can reward the pleasure centers of our brain helping to both prevent and assist various behaviors associated with addiction. Jennifer also addresses the relationship between exercise and depression and how important it is to be aware of the rhythms of our movement and how they can change throughout the seasons. Dr. Jennifer Heisz is a leading expert on the neuroscience of exercise and is the Director of the NeuroFit Lab at McMaster University, which boasts one of the top kinesiology departments in the world. Structured around Dr. Heisz's personal journey from sedentary scholar to triathlete, the book combines anecdotes, research, and case studies to explain how exercise and the brain are intertwined. And, each chapter includes specialized workout regimens to help readers get started on their own fitness journey, whether they're looking to reduce stress/depression or improve their sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you struggle with making time to exercise? As parents, exercising can seem daunting and exhausting. In this episode, I talk to Jennifer Heisz, author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia, and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep about the importance of daily movement. We talk about how exercise doesn't have to be vigorous or time-consuming. Jennifer suggests ways even busy parents can make time for movement. Watch this episode on the Mindful Mama Youtube channel! If you enjoyed this episode, and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @mindfulmamamentor. Have you left a review yet? All you have to do is go to  Apple Podcasts or  Stitcher (or wherever you listen), and thanks for your support of the show! Takeaways:  Moving is a kickstarter to mindfulness Physical inactivity contributes as much to dementia as genetics Contrary to popular belief, exercising later in the day does not disrupt our sleep, in fact, it can reset our biological clocks Jennifer J. Heisz, Ph.D., is an expert in brain health. She is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. She directs the NeuroFit lab, which has attracted over $1 million to support her research program on the effects of exercise on brain health. Dr. Heisz's award-winning research examines the impact of physical activity on brain function to promote mental health and cognition in young adults, older adults, and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Her debut book called Move the Body, Heal the Mind examines the latest research on how exercise can help you overcome anxiety, depression, and dementia and improve focus, creativity, and sleep. Get Hunter's book, Raising Good Humans now! Click here to order and get book bonuses! ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is a mindful mama mentor. She coaches smart, thoughtful parents on how to create calm and cooperation in their daily lives. Hunter has over 20 years of experience in mindfulness practices. She has taught thousands worldwide. Be a part of the tribe—we're over 25 thousand strong! Join the Mindful Parenting membership. Take your learning further! Get my Top 2 Best Tools to Stop Yelling AND the Mindful Parenting Roadmap for FREE at: mindfulmamamentor.com/stopyelling/ Find more podcasts, blog posts, free resources, and how to work with Hunter at MindfulMamaMentor.com.

We all know how exercise and fitness can impact and improve our physical health. But, what about what it can do for your mind? Your brain? Your experience of anxiety, depression, stress and more? Your relationships? Your ability to experience peace and ease? Movement can be an astonishingly powerful prescription for the all-too-often heaviness and complexity of life. So, why is it so difficult sometimes to get up and move, even when we know what good it'll do for us? Turns out, our bodies and brains do this fascinating dance that sometimes supports us, and other times shuts us down, even when we know, rationally, we'd feel better making different choices. It makes me wonder what if the solution to start moving more isn't based on a doctor's orders or creating a rigorous workout plan but, instead, listening to our bodies and responding accordingly with movement in a way that brings all systems online? That's what we're talking about today with my guest, Dr. Jennifer Heisz. She's an expert in brain health and the author of Move The Body, Heal The Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep. Dr. Hesiz is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging at McMaster University, where she directs the NeuroFit lab. Her award-winning research examines the intersections of physical and emotional health and how exercise helps ward off or treat depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions. Her new book explores her own research and the latest findings on how fitness and exercise can combat mental health conditions such as anxiety, dementia, ADHD, and depression, while improving productivity, creativity, and sleep. Get ready to hear us dive deeper into the relationships between fitness and mental health, creativity, and sleep and explore different strategies and approaches that anyone — with all levels of ability or disability, motivated or unmotivated — can tap to incorporate movement into their lives in a way that feels good. So excited to share this conversation with you.You can find Jennifer at: Website | InstagramIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the conversations we had with Bessel van der Kolk, MD about the relationship between our minds and our bodies and how we need to harness both to unwind the mind, especially in the context of trauma.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book Sparked | My New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For a Complete List of Vanity URLs & Discount Codes.Indeed: Connect with your talent audience so you can make more quality hires faster. And now Indeed's doing something no other job site has done. Now with Indeed, businesses only pay for quality applications matching the sponsored job description. Visit Indeed.com/GOODLIFE to to start hiring now. Terms and conditions apply. Need to hire? You need Indeed. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In my 20 years in the sport I've observed some consistencies with WHO this sport attracts.  We don't talk about the psychological components to competing and how it affects people's mental health.  This episode provides a deeper look into addiction and mental health in bodybuilding.  Be sure to join the Facebook group called “The ‘Everything Else' in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” to share your thoughts. Additional Resources: -Support my podcast tour of The United States with a donation! https://patron.podbean.com/eeinbb -Doing a show? Not sure if you are posing correctly? Come to a Learn To Pose™ LIVE Virtual Clinic! www.posingpractice.com  -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com -FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com  -FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com -Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com  Key Takeaways: *What exactly is addiction? (3:00) *Compulsive behavior in bodybuilding (3:26) *The affect of social media's illusion of bodybuilding (7:06) *The multiple levels of addiction (8:54) *Exercise for mental health vs bodybuilding (10:42) *Addiction and common substances in bodybuilding (12:24) *How my own standards have changed since discovering bodybuilding 20 years ago (15:24) —TRANSCRIPT— This episode is going to provide you zero scientific data and purely my thoughts and observations on addiction and mental health in bodybuilding. I'm not a physician nor am I giving any medical advice. Please consult a doctor if this episode brings up any concerns.  In my 20 years in the sport I've observed some consistencies with who this sport attracts. Besides the people whose egos are bigger than their careers, which by the way, man there is a lot of “I am so important” in this sport.  Like, no you're not. Just because you work out and look good doesn't make you important. What's amazing to me is, you guys, in the next month I have some really great guests that you are going to be surprised to see on the show. People that you could say are “important” and whose CAREERS are bigger than their egos.   The episodes are going to be fun and informative. Some day I'll talk about the egos of people that you think would be cool but really aren't from my behind the scenes encounters when approaching them for a spot on the podcast.  Let's make it to 1,000,000 downloads and I'll spill the beans.  So be sure to share the podcast with fitness enthusiasts to get the word out.  Ok back to the consistencies I've observed with addiction and mental health. First, what exactly is addiction?    “Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual's life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.” The key phrase I want to talk about is the “compulsive behaviors that continue despite harmful consequences” and discuss this in the world of bodybuilding.  Many might have heard of bigorexia also known as muscle dysmorphic disorder. It's become more high profile with the documentaries that have walked us through the day to day of people with this issue. You might've seen some of them yourself.   What happens with bigorexia is the person sees a distorted image of ones body, they are obsessed with muscle mass to the point that relationships are affected, their life revolves around the obsession to get big, and it's so extreme they ignore health issues and might avoid appearances or events because they are worried about their appearance.  It's more common in men than women and is on the rise.  There is a case of a young man who was obsessed with biceps so he injected them with petroleum jelly to inflate them to an extreme level. He looked like the Popeye cartoon but he was a real human.  The tissue was so damaged from lack of blood flow that it turned purple. The damage became life threatening and he was forced to remove the implants or risk losing his arms or his life. Now he is left with hardened slabs of the jelly and dead muscle in his triceps and will have to undergo more surgeries to remove the rest of the hardened jelly. Another extreme example is a woman physique competitor who became so sick from extreme protocols that included multiple different compounds including multiple diuretics and anabolics that she ended up with multiple organ failure. Despite being extremely sick, months later, while still recovering, she started posting about wanting to compete again and not caring what people think. Although both cases are extreme, the obsession with one's body, getting ripped, getting huge, feeling invincible, these are all common things you will see in bodybuilding, no matter which division.  It might not be to the extreme as getting Popeye arms, or multiple organ failure, but it's still there.  We only hear about the extreme cases and think that well, that's not me, so I'm fine.  But are many people actually “fine” in bodybuilding?    Are you really ok if you compulsively look at yourself in the mirror and are never satisfied no matter how hard you work and how many gains you see in the gym?  Are you really fine if no matter what you do it's never enough and you are never happy?  Are you really “fine” if you are only happy with the way you look the 5 seconds you are ripped to shreds for a show and then for the rest of the year you cover up with moo moos and sweatpants? You don't have to have a compulsion or be classified as mentally ill to not be “fine.”  It's ok to acknowledge you are not fine.  You are human and once you experience bodybuilding and all the extremes it has to offer, you will never be the same.  You may not be fine now, but you can learn to adapt.   We don't talk about the psychological components to competing and how that affects people's mental health. In fact, I think people UNDERESTIMATE the psychological component to competing.  Many think it's going to be this fun thing that fills a check box on their bucket list.   They think they are going to look great so they will be happy.  Social media doesn't help with all the fancy photos of competitors making it look like everyone is stage ready year round. Plus all the attention people get when they post a photo all ripped and the muscle worshippers come running with their 50 emojis and a marriage proposal.  Think about all that attention and how intoxicating that can be for people who have never felt good about themselves or felt important before. Oh and let's not forget that every time you turn around someone is getting a pro card too so there is a status component to competing that has become very attractive.     I'm going to go as far as to say that social media has created an illusion that bodybuilding is achievable for anyone. Technically anyone can register for a show, slap a tan on, and compete, but to be competitive is a different story.  Anyone can get motivated for something.  For example you are motivated to go to work so you can make money to pay your bills.  You receive a pay check consistently so that reward keeps you motivated.  But bodybuilding is different.  It's a hobby.  It's optional.  You don't HAVE to be a bodybuilder, but you have to WANT to be a bodybuilder to be a bodybuilder.  To stay motivated for the months it takes to prepare for a show, with an unknown outcome, takes a specific mindset and skillset. Not everyone has a strong WILL that will keep them on track during the process when things get tough.  You can't have a bad day at work or a fight with a spouse and use it as an excuse to go off track with your nutrition and training.  Bodybuilding has a compound affect.  Everything you do this week will affect how you look in the weeks ahead.  To get your body fat down to extreme levels requires you to be precise and consistent.  You have to have a strong will that can't be broken no matter how difficult life gets….or just don't do the show.  If life is that tough then you need to consider your priorities.  There is also a cost to getting really lean.  Although you think it's a great idea, and it's glorified on social media, your body sure doesn't agree. This battle between you and your body's #1 goal of survival, will be brought right to the surface. Who wins will, once again, be determined by your pain tolerance and will power.  So now let's talk about what happens when you actually win that battle and you get on stage looking all freaky.  The satisfaction you get from accomplishing that goal is only going to happen when you are stage lean.  Which brings me back to the word addiction in bodybuilding.  When people think addiction they think substance abuse and rehab. But I think there are levels to addiction.  For example, you can be addicted to coffee.  There are a lot of health benefits to coffee and a recent study that showed moderate amounts of coffee are a good thing. Moderate meaning more than a couple of cups of coffee.  A lot more than you would think.  But just not like 50 though.   So despite there be an addictive quality to coffee, we don't think of it as taboo unless you are packing it full of sugar and fat in your triple venti latte and then all of a sudden we become all judge-y in line watching others grab their dessert coffee while we wait for our regular old coffee at Starbucks. But can you be addicted to getting lean?  I don't think the answer is really black or white. With bodybuilding there isn't instant gratification.  You can't just jump into the back of a cab with a suit and come out the other side all jacked with a cape on and fly away like superman.  Getting lean takes a lot of time and consistency.  You feel like dog poo during the process too.  It's fun in a crazy way, but it's really not all that fun.  The endorphins you get from working out, now I do think you can get addicted to that. The reward occurs after every workout.  Which is why I have seen many people go from having an actual substance abuse addiction to using exercise as a recovery agent.   I've also heard mental health experts with a research background talk about how exercise causes the brain to release chemicals that mimic the affects of multiple mental health drugs taken at once. So in essence instead of taking two different pills for a specific mental health issue, exercise itself would have the same effect. For goodness sake talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.  But if you are curious about the latest research you can look up Dr. Jennifer Heisz who is an expert on the connection between exercise and mental health. So there is exercising for mental health and then there is bodybuilding. Things start out great with exercise.  Your intentions are good.  And as you continue to exercise you naturally start to make better choices with food.  Your body transforms and you are on a great path. But then you go to a bodybuilding show and see your friend on stage and you decide to give it a try yourself.  You participate in your first show and now have the bug because you just watched your body morph into a cartoon character version of yourself.  For some, the high is so great, that the comedown after the show can be unbearable without that major goal driving them to the finish line.  The finish line becomes just that - and ending.  You now have to dial out of the show and put body fat back on.  You watch all the hard work you put into getting lean disappear under a healthy layer of fat.  And now you feel fat.  You might lose the desire to train at the gym or eat the foods you were eating on prep because there is no longer a reward keeping you motivated.  It can be a hard crash for many people. I think some of this has to do with the protocols of course. I've been very vocal about how the protocol you use when preparing for a show matters. If you have bro science Jake with the 6 pack abs feeding you tilapia and asparagus for 16 weeks, the minute you have a burger and fries after the show, you are done. These unnecessary protocols bring out their own laundry list of mental issues that I've talked about in other episodes so I won't dive into this since we are talking about the nature of bodybuilding and addiction from more of a 30,000 foot view. So for some the only way to combat how they feel after a show….is to pick another show… and start the cycle over again.  So in a way, you are chasing the lean physique….and in these cases I would consider the behavior to be more of an addiction. But I have a question for you.  Do you think that the people who battled substances or those who battled eating disorders to achieve a physical goal before finding bodybuilding, are also the people that are more likely to become addicted to substances in bodybuilding that are so commonly used in non drug tested federations?  With the use now being rampant and what seems to be an unspoken acceptance, and even an encouragement among coaches training bodybuilders, to use anabolics, are people who had issues with substance abuse and eating disorders before bodybuilding MORE likely to abuse anabolics despite them being illegal and despite them altering their facial features and body structure permanently inside and out?  Something to think about.  From what I understand the feeling you get when on PEDs is a feeling of invincibility and strength. Plus, your gains come much faster than you've ever experienced, and you get more compliments. So imagine in a few months of time you see more gains than you have with years of training.  You have a ton of energy.  You are stronger.  Everyone around you admires your physique. Your number of social media super fans grows exponentially.  Then it's time to cycle off of them.  Energy goes down, strength goes down, and your body doesn't look the same.  Remember what I said earlier about contest prep and how a show physique often sets a new bar for your physique standard?  Now imagine adding PEDs into the mix and the even greater gains of strength, size, and energy and the crash when you come off of them just like when you dial your physique out of a show without them?  In addition to the physique changes, without PEDs you have a noticeable energy change.  You now have a new bar set for what it feels like to have amazing energy.  Kind of like when you get that first buzz from drinking alcohol.  That high changes how you feel about going out and socializing.  Have you ever heard the saying, no good time ever started with a salad?  It's because you know the difference.  With PED use you know the difference of what it feels like to feel invincible.  You know what it feels like to build more strength and size in a fraction of the amount of time.  So your standards have now changed forever.  How would this NOT affect your mental health?  And once again, let me ask you….do you think that he people who battled substances or those who battled eating disorders to achieve a physical goal before finding bodybuilding, are also the people that are more likely to become addicted to substances in bodybuilding?  And for those who use substances, you can't un-feel that high.  The bar has been set.  I'm honestly not sure how people manage this feeling.  Coming off the substances in bodybuilding has multiple letdowns.  When coming off alcohol or hard drugs you lose the high but physically you get healthier.  But with bodybuilding, you not only lose that feeling of invincibility and energy, you also lose the physical gains you worked so hard for.  I bring all this to the surface to get you to think.  Not just about your own mental health but the health of your friends who might consider bodybuilding as well.  The mental health components of bodybuilding aren't talked about, and  if they are, it's about extreme cases that aren't as relatable to the masses. Whether right or wrong, I can say for myself that my standards with my own physique are much different after competing. I have a drawer I jokingly call my “hot girl drawer.” Hot girl drawer has clothes that are only worn when my physique looks a certain way. I wouldn't be caught dead in any of these clothes otherwise. I am always amazed at people wearing half shirts with bellies hanging out. Or short shorts with cellulite on their legs. And they are all walking around like it's hot girl summer.  And they do look hot because you can tell they believe they are hot.  Confidence is everything. But my idea of hot girl summer is extreme. I think muscle is beautiful and when that muscle is dialed in and you can see all kinds of cool details, that is my personal standard. If I don't see that on myself, then I look just “meh” because I know myself different.  I thought it was just me that had this attitude in my early years but after talking with people, from fellow competitors, to posing clients, I realized it is actually quite common.   It's almost as if a show day physique sets a new bar.  A bar that you've never known possible, seen before, and absolutely love how absolutely bonkers you look. These feeling are so common that you'll now see a lot of people jumping on the bandwagon on social media and posting messages about how a show day physique is not maintainable year round. We know that captain obvious.  But once you witness something extreme, impressionable, and life changing, you can't un-see it.  Once you feel something extreme, you can't unreel it. Instead, you learn to manage it. Or you don't. Alright guys, this was a heavy one, I know but I hope it sparks some thoughts and helps new people to better prepare.  Bodybuilding is an incredible sport.  I love it because it's challenging.  But most people focus on the physical aspect of bodybuilding and don't understand that there are mental skills that also need to develop in order to be successful in this sport. Speaking of mental skills, if you haven't done so yet, come to one of my virtual posing clinics at www.posingpractice.com . Why do I say mental skills and posing? Because stage performance also requires specific mindset skills to get you out of your head and looking incredible on stage.  Do you want to look like a robot?  Or like you have no idea what you are doing up there?  I didn't think so.  Your starting place is my clinics. Go to posingpractice.com and let me help you.  I'll be back next week with another episode. In the mean time, please leave a review if you are on iTunes and like, share, and subscribe wherever you are listening from.  And post about this podcast in your favorite fitness groups to help reach more people in this sport that would appreciate the conversation.  Ok, I'll talk to you next week!

Learn all you need to get the most from your workouts, including: top benefits of exercise for your mental health, the research on gaining motivation, the amount of time we need to experience the benefits of exercise, what intensity is just right, and if there is a better type of exercise for mental health.

Want a Fitter Mind? Better Mental Health? Better Brain Health? Neuroscientist Dr. Jennifer Heisz shows us what kind of exercise will get you there, with an in-depth dive into the mechanisms that make exercise so helpful for brain health and cognition, how it helps decrease anxiety and depression, and how to choose the optimal type of exercise to suit your own brain and mental health needs.

We all know about the physical benefits of exercise, but how does it benefit our mental health? What’s the connection and why don’t more of us make it a priority? In this episode, Move Your Body For Your Mind, host Dan Murphy talks to Dr. Jennifer Heisz and Trevor Linden about the importance of exercise and how it positively affects their own mental health. From strengthening our resiliency to improving social connections to reducing anxiety, this episode offers the encouragement we all need to exercise and improve our mental health. Trevor Linden is a former NHL player and NHL executive and Dr. Heisz is an Associate Professor at McMaster University, Director, NeuroFitLab.com and researcher of brain-body connections. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide diagnosis or be a substitute for professional medical advice from a healthcare practitioner. You should not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical or health problem, promptly consult your healthcare practitioner. While this podcast is carefully reviewed, the Canadian Men's Health Foundation does not take responsibility or liability for the medical accuracy of the information provided by its host or guests and is not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage arising from use of this podcast. It is the listeners' responsibility to check the accuracy and relevance of the information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to another episode! Today, we have a special guest. Dr. Jennifer J. Heisz is an expert in brain health. She is Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University and directs the NeuroFit Lab, which has attracted over $1 million to support her research program on the effects of exercise for brain health. Dr. Heisz received her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience (McMaster) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Brain Health and Aging at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital (Toronto). Dr. Heisz's research examines the effects of physical activity on brain function to promote mental health and cognition in young adults, older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Many honors and awards recognize Dr. Heisz for her outstanding contributions to research including the Early Researcher Award from the Government of Ontario, the Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award, and the Canada Research Chair in brain health and aging. In this episode we discuss: - The connection between movement, brain health, and mental health - How you can begin to move your body to heal your mind - Benefits of movement for sleep, creativity and overall health - How you can incorporate movement in your busy schedule Dr. Heisz's website: https://www.jenniferheisz.com/ Dr. Heisz's book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.ca/Move-Body-Heal-Mind-Depression/dp/0358573408 Also available on Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/move-the-body-heal-the/9780358573401-item.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jenniferheisz/?hl=en

Dr. Jennifer J. Heisz is an expert in brain health. She is Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University (ranked Top 25 in the world) and directs the NeuroFit Lab, which has attracted over $1 million to support her research program on the effects of exercise for brain health. Dr. Heisz received her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience (McMaster) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Brain Health and Aging at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital (Toronto). Dr. Heisz's research examines the effects of physical activity on brain function to promote mental health and cognition in young adults, older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Many honors and awards recognize Dr. Heisz for her outstanding contributions to research including the Early Researcher Award from the Government of Ontario and the Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award.Get Move The Body, Heal The MindAmazon US Amazon AUS Pre-order my new book 'The Path of an Eagle: How To Overcome & Lead After Being Knocked Down'. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thestorybox. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Engaging in regular exercise is a frequent recommendation of mental health clinicians as a way to address symptoms of anxiety & depression; however, despite clients almost universally voicing a strong belief in the benefit of exercise, it is often challenging for clients (and let's be honest, clinicians) to implement.  Professor, neuroscientist and author, Dr. Jennifer Heisz joins us for a discussion of themes contained in her new book "Move the Body, Heal the Mind".  In this discussion we cover:what motivated Dr. Heisz to write her bookthe specific mechanisms by which exercise promotes mental healththe kinds of activities & dosages of exercise that have been found to be effective in promoting symptom reduction, brain health etc.evolutionary lens on the importance of exercisethe evidence/effective size with respect to the link between exercise and mental healthwhy exercise is often one of the hardest behavioural changes to get clients to engage in the importance of exercise evoking some level of physiological stress in order to generate benefits (and how could this could help clients to reframe their experience of discomfort during exercise)employing exposure-informed paradigms to help clients engage in exercisewhy rest & recovery are overlooked, but are very important aspects of trainingcompulsive vs. healthy exercisethe potential benefits of wearables for biofeedback, tracking sleep, measuring stress levels etc. tips for accessing the benefits of exercise when feeling depressed or anxious and energy/willpower may be hard to come bythe emergence of hot/cold therapies as analogs to exercise via hormesis (i.e., gently stressing the body to generate helpful adaptations)Feedback or comments?  Email the show: oicbtpodcast@gmail.comDr. Jennifer J. Heisz is an expert in brain health. She is Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University (ranked Top 25 in the world) and directs the NeuroFit Lab, which has attracted nearly $1 million to support her research program on the effects of exercise for brain health. Dr. Heisz received her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience (McMaster) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Brain Health and Aging at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital (Toronto). Dr. Heisz's research examines the effects of physical activity on brain function to promote mental health and cognition in young adults, older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Many honors and awards recognize Dr. Heisz for her outstanding contributions to research including the Early Researcher Award from the Government of Ontario and the Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award.https://www.jenniferheisz.com

It's no secret that exercise will improve your health and wellness. However, we don't talk about its positive effects on mental health and relationships nearly enough on this show. Today we're going to dive in and focus on the benefits of exercise for your relationship so you can start using these tools for improving your life today! In this episode with Dr. Jennifer Heisz, we discuss relationship advice topics that include: Understanding the connection between your health and your brain How exercise can combat mood disorders like depression and anxiety  How to start an exercise routine and keep it Why exercising with your partner will help improve your connection The value of processing negative emotions through exercise  Implementing play into your exercise routine The value of dropping an argument and going on a walk together And much more! Sponsors BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that will assess your needs and match you with your own licensed professional therapist. Start living a happier life today and get 10% off  your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/IDO. Füm is a tobacco-free non-electronic inhaler used to quit smoking and vaping naturally. Join 50,000+ worldwide and create healthier positive habits. Quit naturally with Füm and use IDO to save 10% at  https://www.breathefum.com/IDO Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Chase & Sarah

We will learn: How the hypothalamus makes it difficult to maintain weight.  How exercise can help you overcome anxiety, depression, and dementia as well as improve focus, creativity, and sleep.  Specific exercise routines to enhance and boost creativity.  Today we're talking about how movement affects your mind and how to create movement routines that you actually want to do. Our guest is Jennifer Heisz, Ph.D. an expert in brain health. She is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, and author of “Move the Body, Heal the Mind”. Links from the episode: Show Notes: https://mindlove.com/228 Sign up for The Morning Mind Love for short daily notes from your highest self.  Get Mind Love Premium for exclusive ad-free episodes and monthly meditations.  Support Mind Love Sponsors   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your brain evolved to prevent you from moving, to conserve energy, because there was a time when humans needed  a lot of energy to hunt and to gather food. We don't have to do that now, but the brain is still set up to conserve energy. But if you can overcome that resistance and MOVE you unlock the most powerful medicine in mental health.  This episode explains how exercise can improve focus, memory, depression, anxiety and sleep.  How much exercise you need to do.  And some simple recommendations to encourage the release of the chemicals your brain wants more of.   Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan is joined by Jennifer Heisz, PhD author “Move the Body, Heal the Mind” is an expert in brain health, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University and directs the NeuroFit Lab.  Dr. Heisz's research examines the effects of physical activity on brain function to promote mental health and cognition.   LINKS: More about Dr. Jennifer Heisz https://www.jenniferheisz.com/ Move the Body Heal the Mind https://amzn.to/3y9IYaz 10 Rules for Resilience, Mental Toughness for Families https://amzn.to/3FbqwQ0   Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off.    AND by Athletic Brewing Company. Athletic Brewing Company's innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting craft beer without the alcohol. Place an order today at athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers can also get 10% off their entire order with code SPARTAN10. Limit one per customer.   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

What role does exercise play in our mental health? On this episode, we'll explore the science behind the impact physical activity has on our brain function. Joining us is Dr. Jennifer Heisz, who is a leading expert on the neuroscience of exercise and the Director of the NeuroFit Lab at McMaster University. She's the author of the new book, "MOVE THE BODY, HEAL THE MIND: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep". Thanks to our sponsors of this episode! --> Athletic Greens: Athletic Green's AG One is a special blend of ingredients that supports your gut health, nervous system, immune system, energy recovery, focus and aging. In just one delicious scoop of Athletic Greens mixed with a glass of water, you're absorbing 75 high-quality vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens. Athletic Greens uses the best products based on the latest science with constant product iterations. Right now, it's time to reclaim your health and arm your immune system with convenient daily nutrition, especially in the flu and cold season. Athletic greens is going to give you a free one year supply of immune supporting vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/ntm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plenty of information exists about how exercise can boost our immune system and add years to our lives. Emerging research shows that physical movement can also ward off dementia, increase creativity, and help us manage stress. To work out how movement and exercise may be the wonder drug to heal our brains and reduce the need for pharmaceuticals, Positive Psychology Podcast Host, Lisa Cypers Kamen, speaks with two authors whose work focuses on the connection between how moving the body can heal the brain. Dr. Jennifer Heisz describes the research that inspired her book, Move The Body, Heal The Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep. During the conversation, she shares the physiology behind why the brain makes it hard for some of us to get moving and how moving more improves our mental health. Journalist Caroline Williams details the evidence behind the findings included in her book, Move: How the New Science Can Set Your Mind Free, and shares the neuroscience of how dance and movement can increase human connection and help us manage stress.

Why Dr. Heisz chose to write a book for the general publicStigma around mental health"Prescribing" exercise for mental health conditionsTechnology for tracking stressStress overload in athletesReal threats vs perceived threatsExposure therapyPushing beyond your comfort zoneViolent consistencyBenefits of exercise to the brainADHD and exerciseFind Dr. Heiz: research website; jenniferheisz.com, Twitter @jenniferheisz; Instagram @drjenniferheiszMove the Body, Heal the Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and SleepThe Flex Diet Podcast is brought to you by the Flex Diet Certification. Go to https://flexdiet.com/ for 8 interventions on nutrition and recovery. The course is currently closed, but you can sign up to be notified when the course opens again.

As always, I am delighted and honored to be spending this time with you. I recorded an episode on embodied cognition and the body's role in thought with Psychologist Rebecca Fincher-Kiefer. In that episode, we discuss the importance of using the body as a therapeutic tool for helping modulate difficult emotions or thoughts that people may encounter from chronic pain or other various chronic health conditions. As physical therapists, using the body as a tool for healing from pain or other conditions, whether it's physical or mental, is a big part of what we do. In this episode, we're going to go deeper into how to use the body, including how to use exercise and physical activity to improve pain as well as mental wellbeing with Dr. Jennifer Heisz. She is an expert in brain health. She's an Associate Professor and Canada research chair in Brain Health and Aging in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. She directs the NeuroFitLab, which has attracted over $1 million to support her research program on the effects of exercise and physical activity on brain health. Her award-winning research examines the effects of physical activity on brain function to promote mental health and wellbeing in young adults, older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. She has a new book coming out called Move The Body, Heal The Mind, which examines the latest research on how exercise can help you overcome anxiety, depression and dementia, improve focus and creativity, sleep better and even improve chronic pain. Without further ado, let's begin with Dr. Jennifer Heisz and learn about how we can use exercise and physical activity to improve brain health. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here's How » Join the Healing Pain Podcast Community today: integrativepainscienceinstitute.com Healing Pain Podcast Facebook Healing Pain Podcast Twitter Healing Pain Podcast YouTube Healing Pain Podcast LinkedIn Healing Pain Podcast Instagram

This week on Dr. Greg Davis on Medicine we talk with Jennifer Heisz, author of Move the Body, Free the Mind (available through Harper Collins). Heisz is an Associate Professor in Kinesiology and Associate Director (Seniors) of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence at McMaster University.

Dr Jennifer Heisz - Move the Body, Heal the Mind... with TRE's Selina MacKenzie

Jennifer Heisz, Ph.D.: “A 2-minute movement break is all it takes to restore and replenish the brain of its vital nutrients.” Heisz, a neuroscientist and associate professor of kinesiology, joins mbg co-CEO, Jason Wachob to discuss specific exercises to help manage anxiety, plus: - Why you should listen to music before a workout (~03:51) - How much time you need to exercise for brain health (~04:30) - How walking can help grow brain cells (~30:48) - Which sports are best for healthy cognition (~36:45) - How to hack your brain to love working out (~42:06) Referenced in the episode: - Heisz's book, Move The Body, Heal The Mind. - Heisz's study showing students who took 5-minute exercise breaks had better focus during lectures. - Research on how walking boosts creativity. - Heisz's research on aerobic exercise and memory. - Heisz's research on why people wanted to work out for mental health during the pandemic. - Research on the link between exercise and depression symptoms. - A study on kids' free play and creativity as adults. Enjoy this episode! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com.

You know that exercising is good for your muscles and bones. But exercise can also improve brain health. In her new book, Move The Body, Heal The Mind, Dr. Jennifer Heisz of McMaster University's NeuroFit Lab shares the latest research about how to use physical activity to optimize mental and cognitive wellness. Here, she speaks with Dr. Andrew Miners, Medcan's clinical and product director of sports medicine, therapy, rehabilitation and fitness. For more information, links, and insights with timecodes, visit the episode webpage. 

Today's guest is Dr. Jennifer Heisz. Dr. Jennifer Heisz is an expert on brain health. She's an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University and directs a neuro fit lab which has attracted nearly one million dollars to support her research program on the effects of exercise for brain health. Dr. Heisz received her PhD in cognitive neuroscience and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in brain health and aging at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital in Toronto. Her research examines the effects of physical activity on brain function to promote mental health and cognition in young adults, older adults, and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. We talk about what happens in your brain when you exercise, the mental and physical benefits of working out, the immediate versus long-term goals of exercising regularly, and so much more!  Thanks to this episode's sponsor: BiOptimizers/Magnesium Breakthrough: Go to www.magbreakthrough.com/doug and use the code DOUG10 to save 10 percent when you try Magnesium Breakthrough. Earth Echo Foods/Cacao Bliss: www.earthechofoods.com/dougbopst Use Promo code "Doug" at checkout to receive 15% off your order  What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:14 Why is it hard to exercise regularly? 03:51 The neurological activity during exercise 06:14 Abusive drugs versus exercise on dopamine affect 11:01 Do something challenging when you're having cravings 15:55 Some abusive drugs take more time to recover from 22:18 Exercises to lower your stress level 26:21 At what time of the day should you exercise? 31:04 Finding your sweet spot when exercising 34:16 The value of short burst of movement 38:01 When working out, don't focus too much on the goal 42:39 Our moodiness breaks down our body   Episode Resources: Jennifer Heisz | LinkedIn, Instagram Neuro Fit lab Move The Body, Heal The Mind Follow me on Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter

Jennifer Heisz, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging in Kinesiology at McMaster University and author of ‘Move the Body, Heal the Mind.' She directs the NeuroFit lab at McMaster where research is done to study ways to promote mental and physical health, thus improving cognitive abilities. Jennifer is a triathlete and recent solo ironman finisher. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://jenniferheisz.com/ Book: Move The Body, Heal The Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep by Jennifer Heisz phd Most Influential Person Eckhart Tolle. I read a lot of his work. I listened to his audiobook while I was cycling. Oh, yeah. Just that that consistent message, the power of now, you know, being in the present moment. That's been that that was a really helpful message to me at the time when I had discovered him. Effect on Emotions I would say that mindfulness helps me be less reactive to my emotions. So sure stressors still exist in my life, but I'm less reactive to them. And, and they their options rather than truce. And so it allows me to take a step back and decide how I want to react or not react. Thoughts on Breathing I talked about attention to breath in the book(Move The Body, Heal The Mind), and throughout the book, because this is a really helpful way to incorporate mindfulness into movement. Research shows that when we pay attention to the breath, it really helps to soothe a brain region called the amygdala, which is our fear and threat detection center in the brain. Paying attention to our breath, our prefrontal cortex, which is the logic part of our brain can help soothe that anxious amygdala so that we don't feel as afraid or anxious. About Meditation My book is called Move The Body, Heal The Mind, and is about exercise but exercise, in my opinion, is just one tool in the whole toolkit you can use to help support your mental health. And meditation is also another one, a very important one that I do every morning, I do a little bit of meditation, whether, depending on the time, I have five minutes, or 30 minutes, and just just reconnecting with, the center, reconnecting with a peace and calmness within me. That helps to reframe and refocus my mind for the day. So mindfulness has been such an important part of my life for a long time. And I think it's good direct brain training. It trains the brain, the thought patterns, so that you can have control over those thoughts. When we move our bodies in challenging ways, we do enter into the present moment more readily. And then there's a direct correlation we show in our research, between people who are more active and people who are more mindful. So they really do go hand in hand. Suggested Resources Book: A Year to Live: How to Live This Year as If It Were Your Last by Stephen Levine Book: Move The Body, Heal The Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep by Jennifer Heisz phD App: Breathe App: Muse Bullying Story The kids in my school were just, you know, they were just cruel. They would just sing a song, you know, it ain't over till the fat lady sings. “Come on, Jen sing.” But I think I was always able to just let it slide. I think nowadays, maybe, you know, my own thoughts are my own bully. That's the bullying that I need to be most mindful of, is the sort of negative self-talk that that can creep in. Especially when I'm stressed and anxious. So for sure, I would say these days, the bullying is is self induced. I certainly benefit from really stepping back from the thoughts and taking a very careful look at the accuracy of the thoughts and then potentially just sending them on their way, letting them float away. Related Episodes The Mindful Movement; Sara Raymond Mindful Movement In Addiction Treatment; Kendra Kirane Movement Makers Community Founder, Eiji Morishita Special Offer Are you experiencing anxiety & stress? Peace is within your grasp. I'm Bruce Langford, a practicing coach and hypnotist helping fast-track people just like you to shed their inner bully and move forward with confidence. Book a Free Coaching Session to get you on the road to a more satisfying life, feeling grounded and focused. Send me an email at bruce@mindfulnessmode.com with ‘Coaching Session' in the subject line. We'll set up a zoom call and talk about how you can move forward to a better life.

Over the last decade, more research has focused on the benefits of exercise in alleviating and treating depression and anxiety. I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Neuroscientist Dr. Jennifer Heisz about this topic today. Dr. Heisz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University and directs the Neurofit Lab. She received her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship in Brain Health and Aging at the Rotman Research Institute. Today we discuss how the pandemic has impacted global levels of depression and anxiety, what it feels like to struggle with either mental health disorder. Dr. Heisz shares her own story and struggles with anxiety and depression and this includes her journey to starting exercise and even an incredible story about a mid triathlon panic attack and how she managed to finish her event and learn from it. Dr. Heisz walks us through the science of depression, how it affects our brain biology, how antidepressant medications work, what antidepressant resistance is, what types, duration, and intensity of exercise we should do to derive the benefits for mental health, how to overcome barriers of low motivation and a lot of other very interesting topics that help us understand how stress and inflammation play a role in mental health. Dr. Heisz is an incredible woman. She is courageous and vulnerable and strong. It is a gift to have this conversation with her. I hope that you enjoy our discussion as much as I did. To learn more about Dr. Heisz and her new book Move The Body Heal The Mind, skip over to my website Anneguzman.com where I link to her book, her Nuerofit Lab and her contact links on Twitter and Instagram. Please hop over to my podcast on Apple or Spotify and rate it. I would be super grateful as it helps the podcast get more listeners and that means these important messages reach more people and hopefully help more people. Also, leave a comment about what you liked so other listeners can learn about the podcast. I love sharing comments on social media. Tag me and follow me on your favorite social platform. I'm @guzmannutrition on Twitter and @guzmananne on IG. If you are interested in being a podcast sponsor, please email me at guzmannutrition@gmail.com. I would love to work together if it makes sense for both of us. Thank you for being a part of this community. Until next time, keep moving forward and remember that progress looks different for everyone and it's rarely linear and always imperfect. Keep on moving. Anne

We all know exercising is good for us – it reduces anxiety and inflammation, boosts the immune system, and may even ward off dementia, all while it helps keep us fit. But our brains don't want us to do it! Meet Dr. Jennifer Heisz, a neuroscientist who learned how overcome the brain's resistance and used exercise to conquer depression - and complete a triathlon! Plus… why those who fear exercise the most have the most to gain from it. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/move-the-body-heal-the-mind-jennifer-heisz?variant=39999874367522   

In this episode, Tim talks with Neuroscientist and new author, Dr. Jennefer Heisz about her new book, "Move the Body, Heal the Mind." Your body is amazing, and Dr. Heisz shares all the ways movement can help it heal and restore you back to the Whole You. To learn more about Dr. Heisz's work with the NeuroFitLab, check her out here: https://neurofitlab.ca/the-team.html To purchase her book, Move the Body, Heal the Mind, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Move-Body-Heal-Mind-Depression-ebook/dp/B09NQYNZM3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OVZD999TCO5V&keywords=move+the+body+heal+the+mind&qid=1646667681&sprefix=move+the+body+%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/original-strength/support

Dr. Jennifer J. Heisz is a neuroscientist with expertise in brain health. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University and directs the NeuroFit Lab. Her new book, Move the Body, Heal the Mind is out now. In this mind meld, we riff on how exercise can treat anxiety and depression. Help prevent dementia, improve focus, aid in creativity, and more. Support Our Sponsors: Sheath Underwear -- Get 20% off here Third Eye Cacao -- Get 11% off with code timewheel at checkout Support Third Eye Drops:  Review and follow on Spotify Follow and review on Apple Pods For rewards and podcast extras, become a patron! Sign up for our mailing list at THIRDEYEDROPS.com 

Want a Fitter Mind? Better Mental Health? Better Brain Health? Neuroscientist Dr. Jennifer Heisz shows us what kind of exercise will get you there, with an in-depth dive into the mechanisms that make exercise so helpful for brain health and cognition, how it helps decrease anxiety and depression, and how to choose the optimal type of exercise to suit your own brain and mental health needs.

What good might exercise do for our brain? You may have experienced a sense of relief in the short-term after working out. Exercise also can have important long-term effects on our brains. On this episode, we talk with Jennifer Heisz of McMaster University, author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep.

Host Anna Lindberg Cedar, MPA, LCSW interviews Jennifer Heisz, PhD to discuss the healing power of exercise. Dr. Heisz is a neuroscientist, the Director of the NeuroFit Lab at McMaster University, and author of the book, Move The Body, Heal The Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity and Sleep . Dr. Heisz describes the many powerful benefits of exercise throughout her book and even offers step by step suggestions on how to use exercise to shape desirable functioning in the brain and mood. Listen in to learn some surprising facts about the neuroscience of exercise. This is not therapy. This is real life. Therapy For Real Life. Learn more: TherapyForRealLife.com and WorkshopsForRealLife.com

Dr Jennifer Heisz runs the NeuroFit Lab at McMaster University where she studies the connection between the brain and fitness for physical and mental health. This episode is loaded with interesting nuggets on serotonin, endocannibinoids, dopamine, and more... production driven by the workouts you do. Which workouts are the best? How does fitness help and hurt stress? And so much more!  https://www.instagram.com/dr.jenniferheisz/ Let's connect: www.instagram.com/TrainerKindal www.Fitwomensweekly.com  

Interview with Dr Jennifer Heisz about how exercise can help prevent brain aging diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's. We are constantly striving to provide the ideal brain health content for our audience. We would greatly appreciate your feedback on our Mind Over Matter podcast. If you would like to give us a few minutes of your time, click the button below and your name will be entered into a monthly draw for a $100 Indigo gift card. Take the survey

For Kayla McBride, basketball was never just a game.It was an escape from her childhood traumas and subsequent mental health struggles. But when sports came to a halt during the pandemic, she was forced to face the woman behind the athlete. On the final episode of our three-part mental health miniseries, the WNBA vet takes us on her journey toward healing, starting with the decision to put her story in the public eye. She speaks candidly about the challenges of vulnerability and its sweet wins: a closer bond with her family and a happier relationship with her sport. She also discusses how becoming part of the mental health conversation helped show others — and herself — that athletes are more than a number on a jersey or an end-of-season stat. Listen and learn why letting your guard down, and  giving others space to do the same, can lead to a world where mental health takes higher priority.Learn MoreRead the Instagram post that started it all.Want more info about athlete's susceptibility to mental health disorders? Get the full details from the study here.If you're new to our mental health miniseries, hear Dr Jennifer Heisz tell us about movement and the mind and Dr Uma Naidoo school us on how food affects our mood. 

We drink pressed juices and load up on whole grains to better our bodies, but awhat we eat and drink can nourish our brains too. That's according to the rapidly growing field of nutritional psychiatry, which explores the benefits of food on cognitive well-being. On episode two of our three-part mental health miniseries, Uma Naidoo, MD, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and Michelin-star chef, tells us how meals can impact our mood. She also offers guidance on building out our grocery lists with nuts, fish, turmeric and other foods that can help fight anxiety and depression, and she breaks down the surprising connection between the brain and the gut. By following Dr Naidoo's six pillars of nutritional psychiatry, everyone can fill their plate with mood-boosting food. Learn MoreGet Dr Uma Naidoo's research and recipes in her book, This Is Your Brain on Food.Want to hear more about the power of fermented foods? Read this Stanford University study.If you missed episode one of our miniseries, hear Dr Jennifer Heisz tell us about the important link between movement and mental health.

When Jennifer Heisz, PhD, decided to complete an Ironman, she wasn't looking to earn bragging rights. After years of researching how exercise can fight anxiety and depression, she wanted to feel the effects for herself. Then the pandemic closed her lab, shut down gyms and cancelled races. In the face of piled-on stress and uncertainty, she not only organized her own Ironman, she finished it solo. Along the way, she uncovered the pandemic paradox: Mental health is both a motivator and a barrier to exercise. On this episode, Dr Heisz kicks off our mental health miniseries by telling us what to do when anxiety stifles our urge to get moving. She also gives us a crash course on what goes on in the brain and body when we experience anxiety, stress or depression, and the ways that movement can ward off their symptoms. By detailing her scientific findings and her athletic journey, she shows us why it doesn't take training for an Ironman to boost your brain, it just takes a little bit of movement every day.Learn MorePreorder Dr Heisz's book, Move the Body, Heal the Mind, for the full scoop on her research and her solo Ironman.On days when you're feeling off, find the motivation to move with her mental health tool kit.Get inspired with workout ideas for all levels on our NTC app.

Researchers at McMaster University say that the COVID-19 pandemic “has created a paradox where mental health has become both a motivator for and a barrier to physical activity.”  A study was done to find out how and why mental health, physical activity and sedentary behaviour changed during the pandemic. After surveying more than 1,600 subjects, the researchers say people want to be active but they find it difficult to exercise because of stress and anxiety.  The respondents said the pandemic had triggered higher psychological stress and moderate levels of anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, aerobic activity declined by about 20 minutes a week, strength training declined by 30 minutes weekly and sedentary time increased by about 30 minutes a day when compared to the six months before the pandemic began.  Researcher say getting regular exercise can be difficult at the best of times and may be more difficult in a pandemic. (iStock) Too anxious to exercise "Maintaining a regular exercise program is difficult at the best of times and the conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic may be making it even more difficult,” said Jennifer Heisz, lead author of the study and an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster. “Even though exercise comes with the promise of reducing anxiety, many respondents felt too anxious to exercise. Likewise, although exercise reduces depression, respondents who were more depressed were less motivated to get active, and lack of motivation is a symptom of depression.” The researchers also found that some demographics were hit harder than others. In particular, people with lower incomes and younger adults struggled to meet their physical activity goals. “It is plausible that younger adults who typically work longer hours and earn less are lacking both time and space which is taking a toll,” said Maryam Marashi, a graduate student in the Department of Kinesiology and co-lead author of the study. Researchers offered tips to help people get active Based on what they found, the researchers designed a toolkit and advice to help people get active. That advice included adopting the mindset that some exercise is better than none, lower exercise intensity is better if one is feeling anxious, move a little every day, break up sedentary time with standing or moving breaks, and plan workouts like appointments. They also suggested additional psychological supports would help. “Our results point to the need for additional psychological supports to help people maintain their physical activity levels during stressful times in order to minimize the burden of the pandemic and prevent the development of a mental health crisis,” said. Heisz. The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

We've been hearing a lot about celebrities being accused of committing sexual misconduct, harassment, etc and there doesn't seem to be an end to this list in the near future. Recently a female reporter from CHCH was sexually harassed on two occassions at Mohawk College who, while delivering an interview, had an offensive phrase yelled at her.  Guest: Britt Dixon, Reporter at CHCH-This Saturday may be the best Vanier Cup game in history where the Western Mustangs will be going up against the Laval Rouge et Or here in Hamilton at Tim Horton's Field. Laval's defense is unparalleled and Western's offense is unstoppable which will surely make for an amazing game. Who will you be rooting for to win the Vanier Cup, Laval or Western? Guest: Rick Zamperin, Senior Sports Director at 900 CHML-We've been told that once your brain cells are gone, they're gone forever but that simply isn't true. A study has been done that shows that intense exercise helps improve your memory and promotes the production of new brain cells in your hippocampus. This study has shown that this is beneficial to people who have had heart issues, diabetes, obesity and are older in age! Are you going to start High Intensity Training to preserve your memory? Guest: Dr. Jennifer Heisz, Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University