Unconventional Exercises for Strength and Mobility: Teaching the Body to Move Together with Gregory Stern

In this episode of Mirror Talk: Soulful Conversations, we welcome Greg Stern, the founder of From the Ground Up Physiotherapy, who shares his journey of overcoming chronic pain and redefining movement. After sustaining an ankle injury at 19, Greg spent five years struggling with pain before discovering the power of holistic physiotherapy. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause of pain and training the body to move together, rather than isolating the site of discomfort.

Greg dives into the significance of the feet as the foundation of the body and how connecting them with the rest of the body enhances movement and strength. He introduces unconventional exercises such as crawling, rolling, and rope flow to improve mobility, strength, and overall well-being. Additionally, he highlights the benefits of spending more time barefoot or using minimalist shoes to stimulate the feet’s nerve endings and restore natural movement patterns.

Throughout the conversation, Greg provides valuable insights on overcoming pain, taking ownership of health, and exploring the edges of one’s comfort zone for optimal movement and control.

Key Takeaways:

• Chronic pain often stems from movement dysfunction, and addressing the root cause is crucial for long-term relief.
• The feet serve as the foundation of the body; reconnecting with them can improve overall movement and health.
• A holistic approach to physiotherapy focuses on movement patterns and training the body as a whole rather than isolating pain points.
• Unconventional exercises like crawling, rolling, and rope flow help build strength, mobility, and coordination.
• Spending time barefoot or wearing minimalist shoes enhances foot strength and stimulates nerve endings for better movement control.
• Movement sequencing and stepping outside of one's comfort zone are essential for achieving optimal movement and health.
• Taking ownership of one’s health and understanding the why behind pain empowers individuals on their healing journey.

Sound Bites:

• "Address the root cause of pain and teach our entire body how to move together."
• "The foot is the foundation of our body."
• "Feel our feet and feel the ground."

Chapters: 

00:00 – Addressing the Root Cause of Pain
05:44 – The Importance of the Feet as the Foundation
10:35 – Feeling the Feet and the Ground
29:36 – Relaxing and Letting Go of Posture
34:19 – Empowering Individuals to Take Ownership

Connect with Greg Stern:

• Website: From the Ground Up Physiotherapy
• Instagram: @ftguphysio
• YouTube: From the Ground Up Physiotherapy

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