Sturdy Girl

What if we told you that your body, your stress, and your control over the two might not be what you think? Join us as we navigate this unique landscape with our distinguished guest, Kerry McGinn. A doctor of physical therapy, a 500-hour yoga teacher, and a personal trainer, Kerry's distinctive blend of experiences offers rare insights into the complex conduits between the human body, stress, and chronic pain. Through our enlightening discussion, we discover the intricacies of how stress manifests physically and influence our perceptions and communication with our bodies. Kerry also reveals how he employs biofeedback techniques to help his clients decode these elaborate connections.
The twists and turns of our conversation reveal intriguing links between stress, body image, and the mirage of control. We delve into how our bodies often metamorphose into a symbol of control when external stressors overwhelm us. Hear us uncover the ways societal influences and media messages have come to contour our perceptions of our bodies and our pursuit for control. And guess what? You'll come to appreciate the vital role of self-awareness in decoding our stress reactions and crafting sustainable coping strategies.
Just when you thought it couldn't get more intriguing, we wrestle with the concept of confidence—its roots and its nexus with stress management. Hear how your readiness to face challenges can expand with your awareness of your capabilities. Discover how reducing resistance to intimidating tasks can boost confidence. We share personal narratives of how we incentivized ourselves to undertake formidable tasks and stress the importance of providing ourselves emotional and physical support. Wrapping up our conversation, we equip you with practical stress management tools to help you reconnect with your physical, mental, emotional, and energetic bodies. Remember, it's crucial to permit yourself to indulge in activities that bring you joy, for it's in these joyful moments that we find relief from stress. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of stress, control, confidence, and so much more.
Find Kerry on Instagram HERE
Listen to Kerry's podcast HERE

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Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
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Stay Sturdy, friends.

Ever feel like stress has a mind of its own, warping the way you see yourself in the mirror? Megan and I get real about this struggle, pulling back the curtain on how the pressures of life ripple through our self-perception and daily routines. Our conversation takes you through the murky waters of stress-induced body image issues, shining a light on the distortions that can haunt us during high-pressure periods. We candidly share personal battles and breakthroughs, offering a beacon of solidarity for anyone navigating similar challenges.
Treading the line between self-care and the relentless pace of life's demands can feel like an acrobat's balancing act. In this heart-to-heart, we underscore the significance of adapting personal goals and carving out moments of self-care amid chaos. Our chat is a reminder that physical activity isn’t just about staying in shape, it's a lifeline for mental well-being, and sometimes, it’s the therapy we need most. Megan and I explore the power of recognizing life's 'seasons' and how this awareness can steer our time management and self-care strategies. We're here, pom-poms in hand, cheering for the small victories and the gentle embrace of self-compassion.
Wrapping up, we don't just talk the talk; we walk you through actionable stress-busting and self-care tactics to weave into your hectic days. From anchoring yourself in the present with grounding exercises to the joy of sticking to a skincare routine, we discuss ways to find solace in the 'glimmers' of daily life. And when it comes to wardrobe choices and setting boundaries, we rally behind the empowerment of confidently saying 'no', so we can wholeheartedly say 'yes' to our well-being. So join Megan and me, and let's embark on a journey to maintain balance and positivity, no matter what life throws our way.

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So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.

You ever felt chained to a diet or struggled with your self-image? Don't worry, you're not alone. We've all been there. But there's a way to break free and we've got just the person to guide us - internationally certified body image and food freedom coach, Ali. She's here to help us shift our focus from size to strength, from control to intuition. Through her own story of overcoming disordered eating, Ali sheds light on the futility of dieting and introduces us to the liberating principles of intuitive eating.
Now, let's take a step back and explore the roots of our body image issues. Did you know that our beliefs about food and our bodies often take root in our childhood? Interesting, right? With Ali, we delve into our personal body image stories and the often unacknowledged fear that holds us back from embracing physical activities. Don't let the fear of not being good enough prevent you from living your life to the fullest. We're here to break down those barriers with you.
Lastly, we'll take a deep breath and plunge into the world of self-work and self-reflection. Ali's expertise will guide us in reframing our thoughts, identifying and transforming our negative self-talk. We also touch on the impact of stress on our body image and the fundamental importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with ourselves. Building confidence isn't about achieving a certain body size or following a strict diet. It's about authenticity, resilience, and developing a secure relationship with oneself. Tune in for an empowering journey that could revolutionize your relationship with your body and food.

Send Us A Message!

So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.

Confidence - it’s something we all seek, yet it can feel elusive. Who hasn’t wished for more of it at some point? But what if we told you that confidence isn't a trait you're born with, but rather a skill you can build and improve, just like weightlifting or rock climbing? In this episode, we explore confidence in-depth, breaking it down into manageable actions and proving it’s entirely achievable for anyone.
We start off by discussing the correlation between acceptance of our own weaknesses and the growth of self-confidence. What would you dare to do if you were armed with a bit more belief in yourself? Climbing a mountain? Launching a business? We share our personal journey of building confidence in powerlifting, showing you that big goals start with small actions. We're not afraid to explore the concept of weakness, emphasizing that acknowledging imperfections and being vulnerable are not only okay but essential parts of confidence building.
In the last segment, we delve into the nexus of self-care and confidence, shedding light on the importance of setting achievable goals, practicing positive self-talk, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people. We believe that self-care plays a pivotal role in fostering self-confidence, and the people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your journey towards self-assurance. So, pull up a chair and join us for a genuine conversation about building the confidence you deserve. Tune in, friends, and get ready to conquer your own mountains! And don't forget to join us for the finale of the season, where we'll discuss how to make this the best year yet.
Listen to the episode on Core Values HERE.
Download your core values worksheet HERE.
Listen to the first episode on confidence HERE.

Send Us A Message!

So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.

Join Jess as she interviews co-host, Megan, about her adventures as a sponsored enduro racing athlete, her love of mountain biking and barbells, and the big effects injury has on mental health and body image.
Connect with Megan HERE.
As promised, you can connect with Jess on Goodreads HERE.

Send Us A Message!

So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.