Believe in Balance Podcast

David Dansereau

Audio education on all things health and balance from the Substack for physical therapist David Dansereau's Free and Premium Achieve Balance Newsletter, Course & Coaching Community (intended to enhance learning on the go!) achievebalance.substack.com

  1. 10/24/2025

    Protein, Muscle Mass, Balanced Fitness and Contributing to Your Moving Well Longevity 'Retirement Fund'

    The research on aging well and utilizing a balanced strength training program to offset sarcopenia (big word for-AGE ADJUSTED LOSS OF LEAN MUSCLE MASS) in our aging population is not new. In fact, the science behind staying strong into our 80s and beyond has been well documented for many years. One this episode: To highlight this fact, I’m going to jump into my ‘PT way back time machine’ to highlight a report on the science I presented while researching sarcopenia and the elderly back in my PT student training days. On this episode I’m reading my report I presented in PT graduate school from back in 2019 and comparing it to a recent podcast on the same topic some 25 years later by popular longevity expert, Dr. Peter Attia. After you listen to this episode, it hopefully begs the question to start thinking about why we aren’t doing more to boost senior fitness and health and longevity IQ. What hasn’t moved on this needle with all this new data is how we build programs to engage and encourage more seniors to contribute to their ‘longevity retirement fund’ (their muscle and strength levels) and get them building instead of breaking down muscle with age. My wish: I hope you listen to understand how to best prepare now to ‘fund’ your own healthy retirement and comment on this episode! We dove deep in to the financial impact of what it costs to remain inactive in retirement on my recent workshop. If you missed it: Here’s the Solution I’m Building to Address The Problem: During my Believe in Balance Workshop you’ll learn: * The key strength and balance exercises that reduced falls between 35 and 40% for sedentary older adults using the proven Otago research-based balance assessment and treatment pathway. Learn the secrets to performing these quick mobility assessments and exercises! * Which functional measurements are used to quickly screen for your current balance, lower body mobility and strength levels. * Home mobility and fall prevention safety checklist before you get started * New tech tools to remotely assess and engage you in your balance training * Nutrition? Yes, that plays a role in your balance performance for sure and we’ll be talking about it, especially your protein needs with aging! * Case Studies- 2 spotlights using the program from my clients’ experiences * How you can get started with free access to our balance training course starter program before the official launch and connect with me to guide you through getting started with the program to jump-start your success! Thanks for reading Achieve Balance! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Show mentions: The Drive Podcast by Peter Attia: Rethinking protein needs for performance, muscle preservation and longevity In this episode both guests make the case for a higher protein intake based on four fundamental tenets. They argued (with evidence) that the current RDA is too low for optimal muscle health, that higher protein intakes are not only better, but likely necessary to build and maintain muscle with age; that higher protein intakes are optimal for physically-active individuals; and that there are no health risks associated with higher protein intakes. Bottom line: Listen to my episode and theirs and make your own decision! Chime in below! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com

    22 min
  2. Build Better Balance

    10/15/2025

    Build Better Balance

    This podcast references an article I wrote many years ago for Stroke Smart Magazine’s Mobility Column. I feel it is appropriate today to share and build on the resources from the recent pre-launch of my new balance course, Believe in Balance. Thanks for reading and listening to the Achieve Balance podcast! This post and podcast episode is public so feel free to share it. Balance, a task we mastered early in life seems simple enough, but as we age or encounter a neurological insult like a stroke or other challenge that impairs mobility, balance often needs to be relearned. This may mean that the brain has to find new pathways, or a new route to learn how to maintain balance. Scientists call this ability of the brain to be constantly reshaped when challenged, neuroplasticity. definition (noun)-The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury. Let’s break down that fancy word with a real world examples so you might learn how they can be applied to your current balance abilities. Resources mentioned in this episode: If you missed the first Believe in Balance Workshop here’s a link to learn more about this new program and how to get access to the rebroadcast. If you missed the follow-up live Q and A for questions that came in after the workshop you can access here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com

    10 min
  3. 10/01/2025

    Shutting Down or Building?

    If you are not building you are breaking down. Or perhaps shutting down in the case of our government (most likely) today:( But that’s not stopping us, we aren’t shutting down today. In fact we are talking about it on this podcast episode how we are going live in a few hours with our balance workshop. We are still going live in a few hours with our first Believe in Balance Workshop! Thanks for reading Achieve Balance! This post is public so feel free to share it. Here’s Why: Falls are NOT a normal part of aging - and many are preventable. Just like government shutdowns perhaps. Did you know? Preventing falls means more than avoiding injury, it’s about staying independent, confident, and engaged for our family members, patients, communities and ourselves! In this workshop I’ll cover how I’m building resources to support keeping you on your feet and the doors to your life open! I am committed to supporting this vision by making evidence-based program and assessments affordable and partner to offer falls prevention tools and workshops direct to consumer and to everyone who works with older adults. While the government is shutting down, slashing programs, and cutting services to veterans and seniors I’m commited to staying open and offering support. Learn more on my first Believe in Balance Workshop coming October 1st! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com

    14 min

Trailer

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Audio education on all things health and balance from the Substack for physical therapist David Dansereau's Free and Premium Achieve Balance Newsletter, Course & Coaching Community (intended to enhance learning on the go!) achievebalance.substack.com