Heart of Motion

Back pain touches almost everyone at some point, arriving either as a sudden jolt or a slow-burning ache that transforms how we move through our days. Whatever your experience, know this: you're far from alone. Nearly 80% of people will face back pain in their lifetime, with 1 in 13 adults currently experiencing limitations in their daily activities because of it.

This episode dives deep into the fascinating science b...

Stepping into the gritty Astoria Boxing Club in Vancouver for the first time, Lara Cubitt never imagined it would change her life. "It's old, it smells of empty beer cans and maybe urine?... blood?" she recalls with a laugh. Yet this unlikely beginning set her on a path to becoming a two-time Canadian amateur boxing champion—before multiple sclerosis forced her to reimagine her relationship with movement entirely.

What connects the disciplined world of ballet with the adrenaline rush of mountain biking and the expressive art of pole dancing? For physiotherapist Fiona Drewbrook, it's the intensity, precision, and pure joy of movement that ties these seemingly disparate practices together.

From bleeding into pointe shoes while maintaining perfect form to conquering three mountains in a single day on her bike, Fiona brings the sam...

What if the key to athletic breakthrough isn't training harder, but moving better? For athletes chasing performance goals, the path forward might lie in what's been there all along – your movement patterns.

From the moment we first move in the womb to our latest workout, our bodies develop unique neuromuscular highways – patterns that govern how we organize and execute every movement. These patterns become our mo...

Susanne Mueller, executive leadership coach and marathon runner, shares how the "marathon mindset" applies to success in both physical challenges and professional life.

• Building consistency through regular physical activity creates mental resilience and healthy lifestyle habits
• The true value lies in the preparation—not just the achievement itself
• Mueller's 5K Formula for Success: Start, Team/T...

What happens when movement becomes more than just exercise? For Amy Rost, founder of Arc Pilates in Cochrane, Alberta, Pilates transformed from a desperate attempt to heal her broken, exhausted body into a lifeline that would ultimately change her career path and impact an entire community.

"The reformer and the spring could hold me and my stress, and I had the freedom to move," Amy shares, describing her first P...

Nothing happens until something moves. This principle guides not just physical motion but meaningful evolutions in the lives of our clients. As movement professionals, we're not just teaching bodies to move differently—we're guiding people toward becoming their best selves.

The stark reality is that 90% of people who start exercise programs quit within two years. What separates the successful 10% from the rest? A...

The wisdom we seek is often already within us – but how do we access it? In this illuminating conversation with transformation coach and spiritual mentor Rachel Linnett, we explore how movement, creativity and self-love can becomes a powerful pathways to self-discovery, inner wisdom, and personal evolution.

Rather than seeking transformation through prescribed programs promising a "new you," she guides us toward ...

Nothing happens until something moves. This conversation with Jen Steers, my sister and lifelong movement practitioner, reveals how physical practices become powerful tools for navigating life's complexities.

From childhood outdoor adventures to competitive synchronized swimming, Jen's relationship with movement has always been about freedom and connection. When she discovered yoga, however, something unexpected ...

Change is the only constant in our lives, yet we instinctively resist it. Whether facing health challenges, career shifts, or global disruptions, change often throws us off balance—but what if we could transform this resistance into resilience?

This deeply personal exploration unpacks how our nervous systems and brains are simultaneously hardwired for patterns while possessing remarkable adaptability through neuroplasticit...

Discover the transformative power of mindful movement with movement educator Allison Birt as she shares her journey from ballet to Pilates teacher and Franklin Method practitioner. 

What happens when we shift our focus from punishing workouts to pleasurable movement? Allison reveals how our relationship with our bodies can fundamentally change when we approach movement with curiosity rather than judgment. "Movement is...

Paddle into the remarkable world of Kamini Jain, an Olympic kayaker whose journey from shy teenager to Hall of Fame paddler reveals powerful lessons about perseverance, community, and finding strength on the water.

Kamini's story begins with a quiet 14-year-old discovering kayaking – a perfect fit for her introverted nature that would eventually lead to Olympic finals, 11 World Cup medals, and induction into three dif...

Have you ever considered that the way you stand and sit could be influencing everything from your aches and pains to your energy levels to your risk of chronic disease? Forget what you thought you knew about "standing up straight"—posture is far more dynamic and influential than most of us realize.

I'm diving deep into our body's relationship with gravity and movement to reveal how posture acts as a con...

In a world increasingly fraught with stress and anxiety, finding balance and peace can sometimes seem unattainable. This episode of the Heart of Motion podcast dives deep into the potent intersection of movement, mindfulness, and health, featuring expert insights from Siobhan O'Connell, a seasoned physiotherapist with 40+ years experience. We explore how chronic stress influences our overall health, shaping our bodies and mind...

Enhance your health through the power of breath, and discover how such a simple act can profoundly impact your physical and emotional well-being. Join me, Susannah Steers, as I guide you through the often-overlooked science of breathing, drawing insights from James Nestor's "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art." Together, we'll navigate the intricate connections between breathing patterns and health. Learn abo...

Ever wondered how movement can transform not just your body, but your entire way of living? Join us as we welcome Tara Walsh, an expert horticulturalist and outdoor enthusiast, whose life story is a testament to the power of movement. 

From the physically demanding world of horticulture to her mountain biking and outdoor adventures, Tara’s journey highlights the incredible benefits of balancing high-level athletic training with mind...

Uncover the truth behind society's fitness myths and why your daily workout might not be enough for holistic health. Join host Susannah Steers for this episode of the Heart of Motion podcast as we explore the profound difference between fitness and movement training. Our modern conveniences have created a movement deficit, often leaving us with chronic discomfort despite those frequent gym visits. Let's shift the spotligh...

What if the key to transformation isn't about chasing resolutions but cultivating presence? As we embark on Season 2 of the Heart of Motion Podcast, I share how the power of presence and mindfulness can break the cycle of failed New Year's resolutions, bringing balance to our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. By acknowledging where we stand at any given moment—be it energized or stressed—we can harmonize our actio...

Picture this: you're on a treadmill, and suddenly, you trip—your body reacts instinctively, keeping you from hitting the ground. This episode of Heart of Motion unpacks how our bodies maintain balance, whether on a treadmill or in everyday life. I guide you through the fascinating world of balance, exploring the harmony between our vestibular, visual, sensory motor, and musculoskeletal systems. These intricate systems work tog...