The KRUSE ELITE Podcast

Have you ever heard someone say your vagus nerve needs a reset?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, all about the Vagus nerve and navigate the line between fact and fiction with regard to this increasingly popular focal point for health and movement professionals.  I outline the anatomy of the vagus nerve and discuss why it's often called the "wandering nerve" because it connects to so many different vital organs and higher order systems in the body.   By studying the anatomy of the vagus nerve, I show how it can be used therapeutically to target a myriad of different areas and functions of the body, and why its connective power is also why it's often so misunderstood.  I discuss some common points of activation that I use to access the vagus nerve and clarify the map, as well as how to assess these interventions to make sure they are actually helping the client.  This is a massive episode that covers a ton of ground from the parasympathetic system and vestibular system down to the interoceptive system and digestive system, and touches on inflammation, recovery, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, breathing, diet, balance and more.  I also discuss the lymphatic system and some simple drills I use to improve recovery, and why I think it's so important for people to learn to listen to their own bodies.  

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Are you managing chronic pain? Do you have the type of pain that "flares up?" Or, maybe your pain moves from one body part to another and you're constantly playing whack-a-mole with your pain. 

In today's episode, I speak with one of my very first instructors of applied neurology, Matt Bush, about signs and symptoms suggesting your brain and body are in need of fuel support. We talk about how your brain needs two things to stay alive - fuel and activation. And, your brain's preferred source of fuel is glucose along with oxygen. We talk about acute signs of a fuel deficit like decreases performance, increases in pain, a decrease in cognition and coordination, and increased emotional volatility. We cover what it looks like when you have a more longstanding fuel deficit that can lead to more systemic dysfunction, neural degeneration, emotional dysregulation and even metabolic disease. We share the physiology behind increasing oxygenation of your brain and tissues through CO2 tolerance training, the most important categories of breath training to consider to increase oxygen utilization at the cellular level, and styles of breathing to stay away from if you identify with having a fuel issue. We also cover how metabolic dysfunction may be the root of autoimmune illnesses, how ketosis is not a sustainable strategy for long term health, and which sources of carbohydrates are ideal, not just for brain health, but for overall metabolic health and wellbeing. 

Thank you to my mentor and co-host for today's podcast, Matt Bush, for delivering such an awesome lesson on fueling your brain and your body. Click below to follow and work with Matt and his team at Next Level Neuro.

Learn More about Next Level Neuro's Fundamentals of Applied Neurology Course

Contact Matt and Kathy to let them know you listened to The KRUSE ELITE Podcast and you'll receive a free gift:

Instagram: @nextlevelneuro

Facebook: @nextlevelneuro   

Email: [email protected]  

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What if you could solve your carpal tunnel or sciatic problems with a single drill?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about a category of drills that directly target the peripheral nerves called neuromechanics.  I discuss how the concept of mobility applies not only to the joints and muscles but also the nerves, how understanding the anatomy of nerves is crucial to understanding how to use neuromechanics correctly, and how to apply these concepts for real-world results with pain and mobility.  I break down neuromechanic drills into three main categories - tensioning, slacking, and sliding, and explain how choosing different drivers can lead to almost limitless combinations with specific targets and effects.  I also discuss how this category of drills is often misunderstood or misapplied, and what to watch out for when applying these drills to resolve specific pain issues or to simply mobilize the nerves for a broader training effect.  Neuromechanic drills can be an extremely powerful tool when used correctly and this episode will help you hit the ground running so you can integrate them into your own practice.  

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Have you ever experienced chronic pain? Maybe you've seen every practitioner and doctor and even tried surgery to resolve your pain, but years later you are still struggling? This is the story of Dojo member and yoga therapist, Krista Quinn.

Over 10 years ago, Krista found us on instagram after battling a decade long of low back pain. A laminectomy at age 22 initially provided relief for a year or two but her pain came back with a persistent vengeance, putting her in and out of the emergency room. In this episode, Krista and I recall how we met, the first few sessions using applied neurology and how sensory work as strange and simple as smelling cinnamon, poking with a paper clip, applying kinesiotape, and some cerebellar training provided tremendous relief. Throughout our work together Krista went from a yogi who couldn't do a forward fold due to her back pain to practicing advanced arm balancing positions with ease and coaching others with chronic back pain.  

We also talk about a realistic timeline for getting out of chronic pain, the role of your mindset, and how behavior change is a huge factor in eliminating pain.

Thank you to Dojo Member, Krista Quinn for sharing your story and for demonstrating the commitment and dedication required to overcome chronic pain. 

If you'd like to connect with Krista, you can find her here:

Krista's Website: https://www.kristaquinnhealth.com/

Krista's Instagram: @happylowbackyogi

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What would you do if you were facing a terminal diagnosis? Do you give up or do you fight? This is the reality for Dojo Member, Jason Gallman. Over a year ago Jason came to us after having a history of beating cancer and surviving a spinal stroke. He discovered some mobility drills that helped him exercise without low back pain and improved some sensation in his feet. Just a couple months in we received a message from Jason that he was facing a potential terminal diagnosis. He learned that he has stage 4 prostate cancer. Jason shares: "There is no cure and I'm living with the reality of no energy and a shorter life." Jason is a husband, a father, a grandfather, a preacher, a stand-up member of his community, and an inspiration to so many. Despite the challenges he is facing he chooses to get up and go. He shares how he has used what he has learned in the Dojo to manage symptoms, to improve his energy, and he shares how the threat bucket concept has helped him keep perspective when symptoms arise and which tools he needs to call on in order to lessen the discomfort. It is an absolute honor to have Jason in this community and we hope that those of you who are struggling, or know somebody who is struggling, with a challenging health condition, you can share Jason's story and call on his spirit to pull you through. 

Thank you to Neuro Dojo student and Dojo Member, Jason Gallman for sharing your deeply personal and inspiring story. 

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about building your very own neuro toolset.  I go over the main categories that I consider essential to my work in applied neurology, and what the top tools are that you can get to help you with your coaching, your training, and with tackling pain and mobility issues.  I discuss tools for general training, sensory stimulation, visual training, breath training, reaction training, speed training, and more, and go in-depth on the why and how of different techniques that these tools can help you achieve.  Most of these tools are cheap or even free, and can level up your personal or professional applied neurology practice.  This episode goes into detail at the conceptual and application level, so even if you get none of these tools you will come away with a greater understanding of how to practice applied neurology and how to think about assessing and solving problems for yourself or your clients. 

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

We are very excited to introduce the other half of Kruse Elite, Alisha Kruse, to the podcast!  In this episode, Alisha speaks with our podcast producer, Tony, about her health and fitness journey, from playing soccer in college and suffering the severe side effects of a concussion, to becoming a personal trainer, studying various modalities including acupuncture and applied neurology, to finally taking control of her fuel and pain issues and joining forces with Taylor to start a practice together.  She talks about what led her to pursue health and fitness, what challenges she encountered both with her career and with her own health and fitness along the way, and how her drive to help her clients with persistent pain issues led her down a varied path that eventually led to applied neurology.  Alisha also discusses the importance of breathing, how to assess your diet, the connection between ancient eastern medicinal practices and modern neurology, the challenges of recovering from a major surgery, the differences between online and in-person coaching, and more. 

Check out the Ancore cable we use HERE (use code: KRUSEELITE)

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What if your chronic neck pain isn't a problem with your neck at all?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about unexpected sources of threat that could sneakily be causing your pain and mobility issues.  I talk about a variety of factors like life stress, traumatic events, marathons, calorie deficits, intense training, visual impairments, specific colors of light, prescription lenses, laser eye surgery, mid-line surgeries, c-sections, concussions, low protein diets, breathing dysfunction, asthma, and more, and illustrate how using applied neurology can show us why seemingly unrelated factors can drive threat, pain, and injury in the body, even in completely different locations and unexpected ways.  I tell story after story where these issues, when finally addressed, solve persistent problems with pain and mobility, and give you clues to figure out if there are unexpected sources of threat that you should look into to solve your own pain and movement issues.  This is a long one, so grab your notebook and enjoy!

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about the challenges and triumphs of 2024 for Kruse Elite and for myself personally.  I talk about what it was like launching the podcast from scratch, my evolving approach to social media, how we grew our audience on YouTube from zero to thousands of subscribers, and why we are focusing more on long-form content and education.  I discuss how shifting our focus to neuro-education has led to more and better engagement, why I think simply listing exercises no longer has value online, and how building a business based on social media is fraught with obstacles and misaligned incentives.  This past year has been both one of the most challenging and also most rewarding for Kruse Elite, and we are looking forward to some new big things in 2025.  

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What if you could reduce pain from an injury with a single set of exercise?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about using applied neurology to supercharge recovery from an injury.  I discuss my recent MCL sprain, and the tools and approaches I used to take what I thought was a 6 month injury to almost completely recovered in 2 weeks.  I talk about the importance of movement and mobilizing the joint, why I believe RICE is not always the best protocol, working around range-of-motion limitations and pain, the value of targeted compression, breathing protocols, red light therapy, e-stim therapy, aquatic training for serious injuries, and more.  This case study is packed with a myriad of varied and useful techniques that you can apply immediately to speed up your recovery, just remember the importance of the assessment process to guide you.  

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Want to learn what even professional athletes don't know about training optimally?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about using applied neurology to level up your performance and unlock your inner athlete. I outline some of my favorite training protocols that I use with athletes when they need to gain a competitive edge, not only giving you the actual methods that I use but also how and why these neurological-based approaches work.  I also talk about some of the major things that were holding me back as an athlete before I learned about applied neurology, why vision training is linked to reaction time, why tension is great for strength but the enemy of athleticism, why talking about "feeling" your muscles when working out is doomed to fail, why C02 tolerance is somehow overlooked in endurance sports, and more.  

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Want to hear what the process of taking a history is really like?  In Part 2 of this episode about training histories, I take a history of my podcast producer, Tony, on-air so you can listen in and follow along.  While taking Tony's history, I explain my thought process and reasoning, zero in on some clues that might tell me more about what is going on with Tony's pain and movement issues, and offer some actionable strategies that Tony can implement right away to start feeling and moving better.  I discuss some important concepts like what constitutes chronic pain, what it means to step into the blind map, the table dilemma, why direction matters when tractioning the skin, opposing joint theory, and more.  Finally, I underscore the importance of creating buy-in with a client by getting them closer to their goal on day 1 and why applied neurology is called the science of hope.    

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Does your doctor or trainer know your training, health and injury history?  Do you?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about the process of taking a personal history and why it's so fundamental to our applied neurology approach for eliminating pain and dysfunction.  I walk you through the process I go through with every client to better understand what has led them to seek out my help and find clues along the way to get them feeling healthy and moving better again, sometimes during the very first session.  I also discuss examples where health and fitness professionals may misdiagnose problems when they don't take a thorough history, why some people are addicted to exercise, why I don't ask certain questions on day one, and more.  This is one of the most important components of my practice, and whether you're dealing with pain, just trying to move better, or building a movement practice of your own, this episode will give you valuable tools to design and implement your own history taking process.  

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Have you ever been in a position where you felt responsible for helping someone in pain and yet you didn't feel confident in your tools or your process?  

Today, I speak with one of our members and Neuro Dojo students, Dr. Shaun Puro about his journey integrating applied neurology into his chiropractic practice. We discuss the tools he used as a chiropractor and the internal conflict he had when his techniques would help some people and not others. We talk about the transition he had as he began implementing brain-based assessments and exercises with his patients, how it was overwhelming at first but ultimately how he now feels confident that he can help anyone that comes into his life. 

We talk about how powerful neuro-education is in getting patients to be committed and personally involved in their healing process. We talk shop about different patient cases and how we use our neuro assessments to pattern patients and more accurately select exercises to target their pain and performance issues. And, we talk about how cool it is to figure out which sensory inputs might be missing for a person that will help them move better and feel better. 

Thank you to Neuro Dojo student, Dr. Shaun Puro for sharing your personal and professional journey in learning applied neurology. To work with Shaun, check out his practice:

AlternaHealth Solutions, located in Roswell,Ga.
Website: https://www.alternahealthsolutions.com/ 
Facebook: AlternaHealth Solutions
Office Number: 770-641-9797

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Have you tried everything but you're still in pain?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about the concept of neuroplasticity and why it's so fundamental to our applied neurology approach for eliminating pain and dysfunction.  I discuss how it's possible to change the function and structure of your brain through training and exercise, and what variables you need to keep in mind in order to create lasting change.  I also discuss the importance of fuel, why exercise alone isn't enough, how to target specific issues based on someone's health and training history, and how plasticity can cut both ways if you're not careful. You can change your brain function to improve your movement and get rid of pain, you just have to use the right targeted approach.

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What are some simple ways to incorporate neuroscience into your training?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about some of the simplest and highest payoff neuroscience-based exercises and techniques to improve your performance and quality of life.  I discuss the concept of 'clarifying the map' and how drills that target the different systems in the neural hierarchy can solve pain and mobility problems and unlock performance gains that most people from athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts are leaving on the table.  I give examples of specific drills that target the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems, discuss how speed is an underrated variable in training, explain why hinge joints like knees and elbows still benefit from rotational training, and underscore the importance of fuel in training, pain-management, and performance.  I also discuss the difference between 'balance' and 'stability' training, why visual training is so resource-intensive, and how training the visual system can actually change your eyeglasses prescription.  This episode is full of actionable tips and discussion that you can use immediately to train your brain to be better equipped to make you move and feel better in all aspects of life.  

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Why does chiropractic, massage therapy, or foam rolling work for some people and not others?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about therapeutic interventions and what is actually happening from a neurological perspective when someone gets a massage or goes to see a chiropractor.  I talk about how manual techniques work at the receptor level and how to use that knowledge to select different techniques to solve problems like back or knee pain.  I also talk about how those same receptors can aggravate sensitivities, and how knowing what receptors are involved can help you find a solution to your problem.  I talk about vibration, sound, light touch, smell, deep tissue massage, trigger point, and more and run them through a neurological filter so that we can understand why what might work magic for some may actually exacerbate problems for others, all in the name of solving tricky and elusive pain and movement issues.

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Do you have concerns about rounded shoulders, anterior pelvic tilt, a droopy shoulder or maybe even scoliosis? Or, maybe you have a chronically stiff neck, tight shoulders, and painful low back and you know your posture needs some work. 

In today's episode, I speak with one of my very first instructors of applied neurology, Matt Bush, about posture and the neurologic systems responsible for posture. We talk about the way in which you carry yourself posturally is really habitual, reflexive, and involuntary in nature. We talk about how traditional attempts to improve posture are primarily focused on the voluntary aspect of the proprioceptive system - utilizing tools like trigger pointing, foam rolling, and stretching to "release" tight areas or strength training to improve muscle activation. We bridge you into the idea that the muscle tone imbalances you're experiencing are a direct result of deficits in higher order systems. We break down the roles your visual and vestibular system play in maintaining head and body position, balance, spatial awareness and autonomic control so that you can effectively and efficiently hold your posture against gravity. We talk about key brain areas that are responsible for regulating posture control and resting muscle tone so that you can find a sense of balance and equilibrium posturally. And, we dive into some intro level exercises that you can use to begin to improve your posture at the brain-level. 

Thank you to my mentor and co-host for today's podcast, Matt Bush, for delivering such an awesome lesson on the neurology of posture. Click below to follow and work with Matt and his team at Next Level Neuro:

Website: https://www.nextlevelneuro.com

Instagram: @nextlevelneuro

Facebook: @nextlevelneuro   

Email: [email protected]  

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Have you ever dealt with managing chronic pain? Perhaps you've made progress, only to find yourself back in the pain cycle.

In this week's episode, I interview Karen Short, one of our own Strength & Mobility Dojo members, to delve into her journey of overcoming chronic plantar fasciitis.

Karen and I discuss:

• The initial strategies she employed to tackle her foot pain and how these evolved into a more holistic, full-body approach.
• Her thoughtful decision-making process, focusing on what to prioritize rather than overwhelming herself with too many changes at once. 
• Three crucial steps she took to revamp her lifestyle, which were key to conquering her foot pain.
• The pivotal mindset shift that enabled her to consistently adhere to the process. 

Whether you're dealing with plantar fasciitis or another chronic pain issue, Karen shares invaluable insights on what it takes to overcome chronic pain.

Thank you to Strength & Mobility Dojo member, Karen Short for sharing your personal journey in managing plantar fasciitis. To work with Karen, check out her dojo:

Website: www.guelphfamilykarate.com

Instagram: @fightinggriffinguelph

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fgfkarate 

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What do yoga and bodybuilding have in common?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about how you can apply a neuroscience based filter to pretty much any fitness or movement practice to better understand and assess its effectiveness.  I talk specifically about yoga and bodybuilding and how they interact with different systems in the brain and the nervous system and why and in what ways targeting those systems may be beneficial to your health and fitness.  I go over the active/passive gap and discuss the differences between flexibility and mobility, why mindfulness, stretching, and breathing exercises can all target the same region of the brain, and why interoception as found in yoga and bodybuilding is linked to better executive function and decision-making.    

Free Resources:

• Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
• Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
• Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

1. Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
2. Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo