Meet Your Body with Jessica Valant, MSPT

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Welcome to Meet Your Body with Jessica Valant, MSPT — a podcast dedicated to helping women feel strong, safe and empowered in their bodies through every season of life. Combining science-backed education, professional expertise, advocacy, and compassion, Jessica brings honest conversations and practical tools to the complex world of women’s health and aging. Each episode explores the topics women are too often left to navigate alone, including perimenopause, menopause, endometriosis, hysterectomy, prolapse, infertility, exercise, aging, recovery, body image, and learning how to advocate for yourself in healthcare and everyday life. Through expert guests, personal stories, actionable strategies, and evidence-based guidance, Jessica helps listeners cut through misinformation and reconnect with their bodies with more confidence and clarity. Drawing from both her professional experience as a physical therapist & women's health expert and her own personal health journey, Jessica offers a grounded, empowering approach to aging, healing, movement, and wellness — reminding women that strength is possible at every stage of life.

  1. Jun 18

    The Lymphatic System - What It Does and Tools for Support

    Most of us don't spend much time thinking about our lymphatic system—but this incredible network plays a vital role in immunity, fluid balance, healing, and overall health. When it's functioning well, you probably don't notice it. But when it's not, you may experience swelling, puffiness, fatigue, frequent illness, or complications after surgery and cancer treatment. In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and breast cancer survivor Jessica Valant breaks down the lymphatic system in a way that's easy to understand and immediately useful. You'll learn what the lymphatic system does, how lymph fluid moves throughout the body, and why this often-overlooked system is essential for everything from immune function to recovery and healing. Jessica explains how the lymphatic system acts like a network of highways throughout the body, what happens when traffic gets backed up, and why lymph nodes play such an important role in keeping us healthy. She also shares her personal experience navigating lymph node removal during breast cancer treatment and why understanding lymphatic health became such an important part of her own recovery. You'll discover simple, science-backed ways to support your lymphatic system every day, including movement, walking, stretching, strength training, deep breathing, hydration, and reducing inflammation. Jessica also discusses manual lymphatic drainage, dry brushing, and other popular lymphatic health practices, helping you understand what the research says and who may benefit most. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing lymphedema, navigating cancer recovery, supporting your immune system, or simply wanting to better understand how your body works, this episode offers practical tools and empowering knowledge to help you feel stronger, healthier, and more connected to your body. Resources mentioned in this episode: Sponsors: ➡️ Get 15% off your order at OneSkin with code MEETYOURBODY - ⁠⁠http://www.oneskin.co/meetyourbody⁠⁠ ⚫︎ 10 Minute Lymphatic Drainage Workout: https://youtu.be/xHgSA1zEcQ0 ⚫︎ Breast Cancer Resource Guide: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jessicavalant.com/breast-cancer-guide ⚫︎ Cording exercises: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/5ACv3SrcJOo ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ THREE DAY FREE TRIAL of Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalant.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant Pilates app: Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
  2. Jun 11

    Low Back Pain - Treatment, Symptoms and Hope

    Back pain can be frightening, frustrating, and overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be a limitation to movement and function! In this episode, physical therapist Jessica Valant shares the facts, myths, and practical strategies everyone should know about lower back pain. Drawing from both professional expertise and her own recent experience with a back injury, Jessica explains why diagnoses like herniated discs and spondylolisthesis are often far less catastrophic than they sound—and why fear can sometimes become a bigger obstacle than the injury itself. You'll learn the difference between acute and chronic back pain, what to expect during the healing process, and how to support recovery with evidence-based strategies. Jessica also discusses the role of inflammation, movement, rehabilitation, and mindset in helping you return to the activities you love with confidence. In this episode you'll learn: • The difference between acute and chronic back pain and how each affects recovery• Why imaging results don't always tell the whole story• How fear and anxiety can influence pain and healing• Simple ways to reduce inflammation and support recovery naturally• Why gentle movement is often one of the most important parts of healing• When to seek help from a physical therapist, physician, or specialist• How to build trust in your body again after a back injury Whether you're dealing with a recent injury, ongoing back pain, or simply want to better understand your spine, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and hopeful. Your body is resilient. With the right information, support, and approach, healing is possible. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Herniated Disc Exercises: https://youtu.be/yjHrRcRKuww ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ THREE DAY FREE TRIAL of Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalant.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant Pilates app: Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
  3. Jun 4

    Missing Workouts - The Myths and Truths

    Have you ever missed a few workouts and immediately felt like you were back at square one? You're not alone and today you'll learn both the myth and truth of missing workouts. In this episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica tackles one of the biggest myths in fitness: the belief that missing a few days (or even a few weeks) of exercise means you've lost all of your progress. Drawing on both science and her experience as a physical therapist, Jessica explains what actually happens to your body when you take a break from exercise and why your fitness is far more resilient than you've been led to believe. You'll learn:• How long it really takes to lose strength and cardiovascular fitness• Why short breaks can be beneficial for your body and mind• The science behind muscle memory and getting back into a routine• How all-or-nothing thinking sabotages consistency• Why guilt and shame are often more damaging than missed workouts• Practical mindset shifts to help you stay motivated and resilient Jessica also shares her favorite strategies for navigating busy seasons, injuries, travel, illness, and life's inevitable interruptions without falling into the trap of believing you've failed. If you've ever struggled with consistency, felt guilty for missing workouts, or convinced yourself that you have to "start over," this episode will help you replace fear with confidence and build a healthier relationship with movement. Because fitness isn't about perfection. It's about showing up, adapting, and trusting that your body is always ready to meet you where you are. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ How To Exercise After Surgery or Injury https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000744120966 ⚫︎ Tips for Beginners in Fitness https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000684104488 ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors: ➡️ Get 20% off your water purifier from AquaTru with code MEETYOURBODY - ⁠⁠⁠http://www.aquatru.com⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  4. May 28

    Perimenopause Explained - What Every Woman Should Know

    Perimenopause can feel confusing, unpredictable and overwhelming — but understanding what’s happening in your body can change everything. In this episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica breaks down the science, symptoms and realities of perimenopause so you can move through this phase feeling informed and empowered instead of fearful. Jessica explains what perimenopause actually is, why hormones fluctuate so dramatically during this time and how those shifts can affect sleep, mood, energy, weight, cycles, hair, vision and overall well-being. She also discusses how to recognize common symptoms, when to seek additional medical support and why every woman’s experience can look different. You’ll learn practical, evidence-based strategies to help support your body through perimenopause, including: How strength training and movement support hormonal health Why protein, fiber and nourishment matter more than restrictive dieting The role stress and nervous system health play in symptoms How to improve sleep and recovery during hormonal changes What hormone testing and HRT can — and cannot — tell you The mindset that is vital to have as you enter perimenopause Jessica also shares personal insights from her own experience navigating perimenopause, offering reassurance, validation and realistic tools to help you feel stronger and more connected to your body during this transition. Whether you’re just beginning to notice changes or are deep in the middle of the hormonal rollercoaster, this episode will help you better understand your body, advocate for your health and approach perimenopause with more confidence, clarity and compassion. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Workout Schedule for Women: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000722952202⁠ ⚫︎ Perimenopause and anxiety: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000745127412 ⚫︎ Nourishing your nervous system podcast episode: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000733951049⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Alcohol and health ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000737413482⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors: ➡️ Get 50% off Factor Meals with code MEETYOURBODY50off http://www.factormeals.com/meetyourbody50off ➡️ Get 20% off Honeylove at http://www.honeylove.com/meetyourbody Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  5. May 21

    Strong Over Skinny with Dr. Sara Tariq

    In this powerful episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica sits down with Dr. Sara Tarek to challenge the harmful myths women have been told about health, weight, aging and what it truly means to thrive in midlife and beyond. Together, they unpack why chasing “skinny” often leaves women feeling exhausted, discouraged and disconnected from their bodies — and why building strength, resilience and metabolic health is a far more sustainable path forward. Dr. Tarek explains how childhood experiences, cultural messaging and chronic stress can quietly shape our relationship with food, exercise and self-worth for decades. She also shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support long-term health, including simple daily movement, sleep, mindset shifts, hormone therapy considerations and the surprising power of a short walk after meals. You’ll learn: Why metabolic health matters more than the number on the scale How menopause and hormonal shifts affect fat distribution, energy and muscle mass The connection between trauma, stress and health behaviors Why strength training and daily movement are essential for longevity Small lifestyle changes that can dramatically improve long-term health How to step away from diet culture and build trust with your body again This conversation is important for any woman navigating midlife, menopause or a changing body. You will walk away with practical tips you can apply to your life today and an empowering reminder of the importance of being strong over skinny. About our guest: Dr. Sara Tariq, an internal medicine physician at Northern Virginia Family Practice with more than two decades of clinical and academic experience. A longtime advocate for healthcare equity and cultural transformation, Dr. Tariq is known for her relationship-centered approach to patient care – with a focus on chronic conditions, women’s health, mental well-being, and LGBTQ+ health. Before joining NVFP, she spent over 20 years in academic medicine, mentoring thousands of physicians and driving important conversations around medical education reform, systemic bias, and social justice. Fluent in English, Spanish, Urdu and Hindi, Dr. Tariq brings a global perspective and a deeply personal commitment to patient empowerment and community healing. Thanks to our sponsors! ➡️ Get 15% off your order at OneSkin Shop here⁠. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Dr. Tariq on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drsaratariqnvfp/ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min
  6. May 14

    Pilates Teacher Training Explained

    Thinking about becoming a Pilates instructor? Or wondering whether your current instructor is truly qualified? Before you sign up for a quick online certification — or trust someone guiding your body through movement — there are important truths about the Pilates industry you need to hear. In this episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica Valant — physical therapist, Pilates expert, and educator — breaks down what it really takes to become a skilled, knowledgeable Pilates instructor. From the true cost of certification programs to the difference between weekend online courses and comprehensive 450+ hour trainings, Jessica shares the insider knowledge every aspiring instructor and Pilates client should understand. You’ll learn: How to identify a reputable Pilates certification program What qualifications to look for in a Pilates instructor The difference between mat training and full equipment certification Why anatomy, biomechanics, and injury knowledge matter How much Pilates teacher training actually costs Jessica also shares her personal perspective on how the Pilates world has evolved over the last two decades — from celebrity fitness trend to respected movement profession — and why quality education matters more than ever for both instructors and clients. Whether you want to teach Pilates professionally, deepen your own movement knowledge, or simply feel more confident choosing classes and instructors that are safe and effective, this episode offers clarity, practical insight, and an honest look behind the scenes of the Pilates industry. Resources mentioned in this episode: Sponsors: ➡️ Get 15% off OneSkin with code MEETYOURBODY - ⁠⁠⁠http://www.oneskin.co/meetyourbody⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Get 20% off Honeylove - ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.honeylove.com/meetyourbody⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ THREE DAY FREE TRIAL of Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalant.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant Pilates app: Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  7. May 7

    What I've Learned About Surgery Recovery

    In this honest and powerful episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica shares important lessons everyone facing surgery should know. Drawing from her experience as a physical therapist — along with her own six major surgeries — she offers practical tips to help you mentally and physically prepare for surgery and recovery. You’ll hear why you may never feel completely ready for surgery, the importance of becoming an active participant in your own healing, and Jessica’s biggest pet peeve when it comes to the messages many surgeons give their patients about recovery. Whether you’re preparing for surgery now or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, practical guidance, and a compassionate perspective on healing, strength, and recovery. Resources mentioned in this episode: Sponsors: ➡️ Get 20% off your water purifier from AquaTru with code MEETYOURBODY - ⁠⁠http://www.aquatru.com⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ THREE DAY FREE TRIAL of Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalant.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant Pilates app: Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to Meet Your Body with Jessica Valant, MSPT — a podcast dedicated to helping women feel strong, safe and empowered in their bodies through every season of life. Combining science-backed education, professional expertise, advocacy, and compassion, Jessica brings honest conversations and practical tools to the complex world of women’s health and aging. Each episode explores the topics women are too often left to navigate alone, including perimenopause, menopause, endometriosis, hysterectomy, prolapse, infertility, exercise, aging, recovery, body image, and learning how to advocate for yourself in healthcare and everyday life. Through expert guests, personal stories, actionable strategies, and evidence-based guidance, Jessica helps listeners cut through misinformation and reconnect with their bodies with more confidence and clarity. Drawing from both her professional experience as a physical therapist & women's health expert and her own personal health journey, Jessica offers a grounded, empowering approach to aging, healing, movement, and wellness — reminding women that strength is possible at every stage of life.

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