In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom interview Dr. John Rusin, a renowned strength coach and physical therapist. Dr. John Rusin shares his journey from coaching to physical therapy and back, emphasizing a pain-free, health-first approach to training. He discusses foundational movement patterns, injury prevention, and the importance of individualized, sustainable routines. The hosts and Dr. John Rusin also highlight his book, Pain Free Performance, and practical strategies for optimizing movement, recovery, and lifelong performance, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone seeking better physical health.

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Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

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Dr. Rusin's Resources:

• Pain-Free Performance Book
• Unbreakable Training App
• Train with Dr Rusin
• Dr Rusin's Website
• Dr Rusin on IG
• Dr Rusin on FB
• Dr Rusin on Youtube

We think you’ll love:

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

What You'll Learn...

For full show notes and resources visit: https://jen.health/podcast/441

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss the best exercises for strength and growth of the glutes, focusing on recent research comparing EMG muscle activation with actual peak muscle force. They explain why force production is more relevant than EMG for building glute strength and highlight the top exercises for targeting the glutes (gluteus maximus and gluteus medius). The hosts emphasize tailoring exercise selection to individual needs and goals, and share practical tips for both training and rehabilitation from injury of the glutes, including their Jen Health hip program for improving glute mobility and strength. The practical considerations can be so vital for rehabilitation from injuries including knee pain and low back pain.

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Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

We think you’ll love:

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

What You'll Learn:

02:00 Introduction to the main topic: research on the best exercise for glute growth and strength, and EMG vs. muscle force.

03:34 Discussion of EMG limitations and introduction to the new study comparing EMG to peak muscle force in glute exercises.

04:33 Explanation of gluteus maximus and medius roles, especially glute medius as the "rotator cuff of the hip."

06:26 Description of the study: 14 healthy female soccer players, types of exercises tested, and data collection methods.

08:27 Findings show weak correlation between EMG activity and peak muscle force; EMG is not always a good predictor.

09:37 Discussion of the study's chart showing discrepancies between EMG rankings and actual force production in exercises.

12:22 Takeaways: focus on exercises with highest peak muscle force for strength/hypertrophy; EMG has limitations.

13:03 Listing and discussion of the top five exercises for glute max and glute medius based on peak muscle force.

14:34 Importance of exercise selection based on rehab stage; lower-intensity...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/440

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy chat with neuroscientist Ariel Garten, co-founder of Muse. Together, they explore how brainwave-sensing technology can make meditation more effective, support stress reduction, and improve sleep and pain management. Ariel shares practical tips for building healthy habits, explains the science behind meditation and brain health, and highlights Muse’s research-backed benefits for women’s wellness, including how it can improve sleep quality. The conversation is both empowering and approachable, offering actionable insights for women seeking to enhance their mental and physical well-being through mindful routines and innovative tools that can also help improve sleep.

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Dr. Mina's Resources:

• Muse Website
• Muse on IG
• Muse Youtube
• Muse Facebook
• Muse Discount

We think you’ll love:

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

What You'll Learn from Ariel:

04:44 Ariel explains brainwaves, how they’re measured, and their significance in understanding brain activity.

06:59 Discussion on how brainwave patterns relate to anxiety, depression, and brain region activity.

09:35 How meditation and technology like Muse can influence brainwaves for better sleep and focus.

11:57 Evidence for meditation’s benefits, optimal durations, and Mayo Clinic...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/439

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