310 episodes

The Core Connections Podcast is a show dedicated to bringing you cutting-edge ideas, research + solutions for all things health, fitness and wellness related. Host, Erica Ziel, tackles controversial subjects, challenges the status quo and brings on experts to discuss topics that aren't talked about enough in women's health. Her passion for helping women feel their very best each and every day is demonstrated through her determination to educate, empower and inspire women to make the BEST decisions for THEIR bodies!

Core Connections with Erica Ziel Erica Ziel

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 3 Ratings

The Core Connections Podcast is a show dedicated to bringing you cutting-edge ideas, research + solutions for all things health, fitness and wellness related. Host, Erica Ziel, tackles controversial subjects, challenges the status quo and brings on experts to discuss topics that aren't talked about enough in women's health. Her passion for helping women feel their very best each and every day is demonstrated through her determination to educate, empower and inspire women to make the BEST decisions for THEIR bodies!

    STOP Doing Crunches to Strengthen Your Core

    STOP Doing Crunches to Strengthen Your Core

    Harsh reality: Crunches are doing more harm than good.
     
    That's not what you're used to hearing, is it?
     
    But the good news is that there's a better way to strengthen your core. (Just like anything else with movement, eh?)
     
    And because I truly (TRULY!) care about you and your well-being, I’m sharing all of the reasons why you should stop doing crunches.
     
    Grab your coffee, it's about to get real...
     
    Because, in this episode, you’ll learn why traditional crunches can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, back pain, neck pain, hip pain, and an imbalanced core and how to adopt a more effective approach to core training that promotes optimal function and overall health.
     
    Click play to hear all this and...
     
    [02:23] Why I don't like traditional crunches.
     
    [05:17] Explaining all that is included in your core.
     
    [06:14] The impact that a tucked pelvis can have on your core function.
     
    [08:27] Addressing what is causing low back pain.
     
    [09:13] Why the crunching movement leads to aches, pains, and dysfunction.
     
    [10:14] How I teach functional flexion for your daily life.
     
    [11:41] The problem with static planks.
     
    [12:37] Breaking down the fundamentals of core training.
     
    For full show notes, visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/310

    • 15 min
    The Mindset to Embrace When Prioritizing Movement Postpartum with Amber Marker

    The Mindset to Embrace When Prioritizing Movement Postpartum with Amber Marker

    There’s something we must do when healing postpartum.
     
    Shift our mindset about movement and results.
     
    Here’s the deal: as new mothers, we find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities while neglecting our own well-being. That said, prioritizing movement postpartum is not about getting back in shape but rather reclaiming our strength, confidence, and sense of self.
     
    Ok, so how do you do this?
     
    That’s what Amber Marker, founder of Declan + Crew and As You Are Cycle + Lagree Studio, broke down for us on the podcast.
     
    In this episode, you’ll hear our conversation – and lemme tell you, it was like talking to a long-lost sister. If you’re in the season of navigating motherhood and striving to prioritize your physical and mental health, this episode is for you!
     
    [04:16] How Amber went from elementary school teacher to opening a fitness studio.
     
    [07:15] What it takes to start a small business.
     
    [12:20] How Amber shifted her mindset towards movement postpartum.
     
    [19:19] Understanding weight gain during pregnancy and postpartum.
     
    [22:32] The impact social media has on mental health.
     
    [26:15] The pivot Amber made to open her cycling and lagree studio.
     
    [28:17] Amber's advice for embracing movement beyond calorie counting.
     
    [33:17] How to visualize your health goals.
     
    [38:09] The importance of giving yourself grace, embracing individual progress, and recognizing that "your best" looks different every day.
     
    Want to join Core Rehab and have a postpartum healing program that helps you feel better than you did before you were pregnant? Click >>HERE 
    For full show notes; visit https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/309

    • 40 min
    MTHFR and Pregnancy: What Women Need to Know with Dr. Ricardo Miranda

    MTHFR and Pregnancy: What Women Need to Know with Dr. Ricardo Miranda

    Can you imagine unraveling the mysteries of your health with just a simple genetic test?
     
    (Yes, it IS possible!)
     
    This actually happened to clients Dr. Ricardo Miranda (aka the “pioneer of MTHFR genetic mutation research” and CEO of MTHFRdoctors.com) has worked with.
     
    But before Dr. Ricardo started revolutionizing genetic health, he had an interest in longevity and an understanding that our DNA is not our destiny.
     
    Today, he uses the knowledge he gained to help individuals, especially women planning pregnancy, struggling with infertility, and dealing with hormonal imbalances.
     
    In this episode, Dr. Ricardo Miranda so graciously shares with us his expertise on the MTHFR gene. He also lets us in on practical tips for optimizing health, along with his insights on detoxification, hormone activation, and gene expression.
     
    Click play to hear all of this and…
     
    [02:46] Dr. Ricardo's explanation of MTHFR and how this gene controls menthylation.
     
    [03:33] Why MTHFR is important during pregnancy and understanding its role in folate metabolism to prevent birth defects and support brain development in babies.
     
    [07:20] How fortified foods impact MTHFR.
     
    [10:33] The importance of organic foods for MTHFR due to their impact on detoxification pathways.
     
    [13:07] How MTHFR mutations can contribute to infertility and miscarriages.
     
    [15:29] Dr. Ricardo explains optimal TSH levels and the difference between lab ranges and functional ranges for thyroid hormones.
     
    [17:31] The role methylated folate plays in supporting proper thyroid function and hormone activation.
     
    [22:12] Dr. Ricardo's journey into researching MTHFR and its impact on gene expression and health.
     
    [25:23] Why testing folate levels (particularly in individuals with MTHFR mutations) is crucial for ensuring optimal health outcomes.
     
    [30:55] The correlation between MTHFR and Down syndrome, autism.
     
    [36:44] How over methylation of methylfolate can cause potential adverse effects.
     
    [38:14] How methylation influences cortisol production.
     
    Do you want an MTHFR Test Kit? You can head >>HERE to get your test kit and await physician recommendations and results interpretation.
     
    For full show notes; visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/308

    • 43 min
    How Pilates Relieves Back Pain

    How Pilates Relieves Back Pain

    Ladies, her jaw was on the FLOOR.
    No back pain? After one Pilates session?
    It all started when I was in college, I became a certified Pilates instructor and witnessed how movement can heal the body...
    I then moved to California where I studied STOTT Pilates. It led me to create online courses, Knocked-Up Fitness, Core Rehab, and Core Studio, with my unique training techniques. It was something I knew was a definite need in the women’s fitness industry.
    And I'll tell you what, opening my Pilates studio has shown women that back pain isn't normal and Pilates can change their lives.
    You deserve this, too. Living the life you love without pain holding you back – I believe Pilates is what can get you there in the shortest amount of time.
    In this episode, you’ll learn how Pilates can prevent back pain, my movement tips for back pain relief, and how you can incorporate Pilates into your daily routine for a pain-free and active lifestyle.
    Click play to hear all of this and…
    [01:33] What I believe BEST relieves back pain.
    [02:27] The research findings on Pilates potential in preventing back surgery (and what the research is actually saying!).
    [06:07] What you need to focus on strengthening to alleviate back pain.
    [11:28] Why not all Pilates methods are created equal.
    [14:14] How to align your pelvic positioning for optimal deep core engagement.
    [17:58] The importance of breathwork to create space and release tension in the back.
    [20:28] My go-to technique to enhance the mind-body connection for expedited results.
    [24:44] What you need to know about Pilates impact on weightlifting.
    [30:05] My personal experience with clients overcoming back pain through Pilates to avoid back surgery.
    [31:43] The difference between mat and reformer Pilates.
    [33:43] The importance of modifying exercises to prevent exacerbating back pain.
    Ready to take action? I thought so! >>Click hereFor full show notes, visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/307

    • 38 min
    True Stories about Bravery to Live Courageously with Gina Gallaun

    True Stories about Bravery to Live Courageously with Gina Gallaun

    Are you ready to let go of fearful thoughts and approach life with bravery and courage? (yes or yesss?) Grab your drink of choice and settle in – the stories and insights shared on this episode just might change your life.
    In this episode, Gina Gallaun and I chat as she shares some of the real-life stories from women she interviewed around the world for her new book (Embrace Your Brave in 30 Days) that will inspire you to live boldly.
    [03:34] How Gina's journey from fear to courage led her to compile inspiring stories from women worldwide into a journal.
    [06:41] How Gina's brave decision to face her fears led her to a fulfilling life.
    [11:17] What's involved in practicing courage when making choices.
    [14:11] The story of Abbey finding purpose in a harsh ballet environment.
    [22:36] How Irena overcame childhood beliefs.
    [31:02] How Emily's resilience fostered physical activity in her stepsons.
    [36:45] Gina discovers Common themes Gina discovered through diverse stories.
    If you’d like to grab Gina’s book, you can go to her website wavesandwords.org and use code “ERICA” for free shipping. You can also connect with her on Instagram @wavesandwordsinc.
    For complete show notes visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/306

    • 42 min
    How to Optimize Hormonal Health and Embrace Spiritual Mindsets with Dr. Tabatha Barber

    How to Optimize Hormonal Health and Embrace Spiritual Mindsets with Dr. Tabatha Barber

    Real talk: Hormonal health and weight management may feel like an uphill battle...but do you believe it's possible for YOU?
    If not, it’s time to start.
    And you can do this by looking at your symptoms (such as weight gain) not as a sign of betrayal from your body but rather your body trying to communicate with you. 
    In fact, this is exactly what Dr. Tabatha Barber, the incredibly talented and brilliant functional medicine doctor/podcaster/author, explained so beautifully during our discussion (which I'm so EXCITED to share with you.)
    In this episode, you'll learn how to optimize hormonal health (in a way that positively impacts your body and mind), the importance of fasting with gut health, and how overexercising is impacting your body. We also touch on the connection between the body and mind and how faith and spirituality may be the missing piece to achieving your health goals.
    Click play to hear all of this and…
    [05:02] The misconception of traditional weight loss methods causing hormone imbalances
    [09:24] Why intense workouts impact your hormonal health and nervous system.
    [13:20] The long-term consequences of overexercising.
    [18:38] How the brain and the gut are connected in regards to hormonal issues and weight loss efforts.
    [23:26] The role of fasting and sugar consumption in hormonal balance.
    [34:05] Why incorporating animal protein into your diet can support hormonal balance and stabilize blood sugar levels.
    [36:51] How faith-based healing can support overall wellness.
    [41:29] Strategies for a positive mindset and self-compassion to avoid negative self-talk.
    [45:13] How embracing discomforts is the ultimate catalyst for growth and transformation.
    [51:53] Overcoming obstacles through gratitude and resilience.
    [56:04] Using visualization to set wellness goals and develop strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
    For full show notes, visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/305

    • 1 hr 3 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
3 Ratings

3 Ratings

Meganjones81 ,

Great info

Extremely relevant, informative, and inspirational talks! Love them! Keep them coming!

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