In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom debunk the myth that deep squats are harmful to the knees and discuss their impact on knee health. They trace the misconception to outdated research and review recent studies showing deep squats are generally safe and beneficial for healthy adults, supporting overall knee health. The hosts discuss knee biomechanics, the importance of gradual progression, and individualized modifications. They emphasize that deep squats support functional movement, joint health, and knee health, even for those with knee pain, and encourage listeners to challenge old beliefs and approach squatting with confidence and proper technique.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—with perfect styles for any occasion! Boost foot health through mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It’s our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

We think you’ll love:

• Free Week of the Knee Plan
• Free Knee Masterclass
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn

01:47 Tracing the myth to a 1961 study with questionable methods and its influence on fitness culture.

04:25 Summary of review findings: most studies support deep squat safety for healthy adults, with a few raising minor concerns.

08:02 Highlighting benefits found in research: improved strength, tendon resilience, and functional capacity.

09:54 How knee joint and patellofemoral forces change with squat depth, and why deep squat exercise may not be riskier.

12:31 Anecdote about retraining Dr. Jen’s mom to perform deep squats safely despite osteoarthritis.

13:58 Noting that deep squats are used...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/438

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, sit down with Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and host of The Skin Real Podcast. Dr. Mina shares her holistic perspective on skincare health, emphasizing how lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindset play a crucial role. She debunks common skincare myths, underscores the effectiveness of simple routines—cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer—and explores the connection between mental health and skincare health. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Mina provides practical, evidence-based tips for aging gracefully and building confidence, encouraging listeners to adopt sustainable habits that support long-term skincare health and avoid the pain of skin issues.

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!

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans with daily exercise 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!

Dr. Mina's Resources:

• The Skin Real Website
• Dr Mina's IG
• The Skin Real Youtube
• The Skin Real Facebook
• The Skin Real Podcast
• Skincare Discount

We think you’ll love:

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

What You'll Learn From Dr Mina:

02:17 Dr. Mina shares her personal shift to holistic, preventative skincare after turning 40.

05:05 Discussion on how internal health...

For full; show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/437

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, Doctors of Physical Therapy, delve into the complexities of chronic low back pain. They discuss the latest research on both acute and chronic low back pain, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans. The hosts highlight the importance of exercise, the powerful role of mindset, patient-provider relationships, and supportive environments in managing chronic low back pain. They stress that recovery is a gradual, personalized process, caution against one-size-fits-all solutions, and encourage listeners to remain consistent, address psychological factors, and seek professional guidance for lasting improvement.

Black Friday Sale!

Invest in yourself this Holiday Season! Come join our movement community with the most massive sale on the annual membership where you can get in for only $12.50 per month! We have plans for each specific body area that you might have aches and pains in and full videos with expert cuing to get you back to the exercises you love, without the pain. Join us today!

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!

We think you’ll love:

• Black Friday Discount
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn

02:47 Discussion on how common and costly low back pain is, and the dangers of one-size-fits-all solutions.

04:00 Emphasis on the need for individualized approaches and skepticism toward exclusive treatment claims.

07:00 Explanation of the timeframes and definitions for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain.

09:05 Importance of contextual factors—expectations, relationships, environment—in pain reduction and recovery.

11:53 How patient-provider relationships and belief in treatment impact outcomes, especially for chronic pain.

15:07 Encouragement to remain open to new approaches and persist through setbacks in chronic pain recovery.

17:31 Study findings on optimal exercise load (MET minutes) and the benefits of consistent, appropriate exercise.

20:19 Research on effective session lengths, program duration, and the benefits of tai chi for chronic pain.

26:14 Consistency, adherence, and...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/436

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.