In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome running expert Doctor of physical therapy Vikash Sharma to discuss how to run safely and effectively. They cover key topics like avoiding the "too much, too quickly" trap, using walk-run intervals for beginners, and following the 10% rule for mileage progression. Dr. Sharma also shares valuable advice on strength training exercise (especially calf and hip work), managing common running injuries and pain, and choosing the right footwear. Plus, there's helpful guidance for women returning to running postpartum. A must-listen for anyone looking to run smarter!

Zulu Weighted Vest:

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Dr Sharma's Resources:

• Perfect Stride Website
• Dr Sharma on IG
• Perfect Stride on IG
• Perfect Stride on YT
• Perfect Stride on FB

We Think You'll Love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/465

What You'll Learn:

4:13 Dr. Sharma shares his personal history with running, which started in middle school and became a lifelong passion.

8:19 Dr. Sharma explains that the most common reason for running injuries is doing "too much, too quickly" without proper adaptation.

10:08 Recommendations for beginners include...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctor Dom shares her personal experience of sustaining a minor back injury and developing sciatic pain while deadlifting. She and Doc Jen discuss how even fitness professionals aren't immune to pain and injury, emphasizing that stress, poor sleep, and rushing through movements increase the risk of experiencing issues like sciatic pain. They debunk the myth that deadlifts are inherently dangerous and clarify that disc bulges are common even in pain-free individuals, and not always linked to sciatic pain. Doctor Dom outlines her recovery approach, including breathing, relaxation, and gentle progressive movement. The key message: pain, including sciatic pain, isn't always a sign of serious damage, and mindful movement is essential for recovery.

Lifting for Longevity:

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We Think You'll Love:

• Lifting for Longevity
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn:

2:02 Doc Jen's Deadlift Injury

4:04 The Importance of Mindset After Injury

7:17 Deadlifts Aren't Inherently Dangerous

10:19 Pain vs. Actual Tissue Damage

10:57 Disc Bulges in Asymptomatic People

14:27 The Benefits of Deadlifting

16:06 Immediate Steps for Acute Back Pain

18:29 Reintroducing Safe Movement Patterns

23:49 The Reality of Long-Term Maintenance

24:42 Common Mistakes After an Injury

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/464

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In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom sit down with Doctor Aleksandra Gajer, an expert in sustainable weight loss, longevity, and women's midlife health. Doctor Gajer discusses her journey from emergency medicine to a focus on proactive, preventative care. Key topics include metabolic health, insulin resistance, peptides, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, and actionable lifestyle interventions such as post-meal walking and strength training. The discussion highlights GLP-1 medications, the role of peptides in therapy, and how peptide treatments can support metabolic, hormonal and women's health. Health tips including sleep optimization and the importance of personalized, compassionate care—rather than generic advice—are also emphasized for women navigating complex physiological changes, with a special focus on how peptides can be integrated into individualized health strategies.

Zulu Weighted Vest:

Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Dr Gajer's Resources:

• Dr Gajer's Website
• Dr Gajer on IG
• Dr Gajer on YT
• Dr Gajer on FB
• Free Intro Call

We Think You'll Love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/463

What You'll Learn:

3:21 Doctor Gajer explains her career...

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