Struggling to stay consistent with movement? Each week you’ll get relatable stories, practical strategies, and uplifting tips to help you move smarter, feel better, and bring more wellness into your daily life.
How to outsmart pain with your brain + body
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Hey Reader, I came across a powerful piece recently—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, neurosurgeon and CNN medical correspondent, just released a deeply human-centered exploration of chronic pain. His new work, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt, reshapes how we think about pain—and how we feel about it. He shares a personal story: caring for his mother after a spinal injury gave him new insight into how pain can hijack not just a person’s body, but their identity, and even reach into the hearts of families. It’s a reminder: pain isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, social, and psychological all at once. Here’s where it gets fascinating: Gupta shines a light on the brain’s ability to soothe pain. Through mindfulness, meditation, movement, acupuncture—and even the reassuring touch of a loved one—our brains can tap into their own opioid systems. That means powerful, non-drug relief, backed by neuroscience. This perspective really resonates with me because it’s exactly the kind of work I do every day with clients—whether in yoga therapy or Movement Rx group virtual sessions, Mindful Movement classes, or one-on-one Movement Momentum sessions. We use gentle, intentional movement, awareness of breath, and simple practices to help the body release tension and the mind find calm. Over and over again, I see people discover more ease in their bodies—not because the pain magically disappears, but because they learn how to work with their bodies instead of against them. What I love about Gupta’s approach is that it validates what many of us already experience: connection, awareness, and small daily practices matter. They’re not “woo-woo”—they’re science, and they’re accessible. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of pain—whether it’s chronic back pain, arthritis, or that vague ache that just won’t go away—this conversation is worth your time. I highly recommend listening to the Fresh Air episode where Gupta delves into it all—pain origins, the mind-body connection, and compassionate, practical strategies. It’s a thoughtful, hopeful listen that might give you a new lens on your own journey. And if you’re curious about how to explore these tools in your own life, you know I’d love to guide you—whether it’s joining a virtual class, trying a workshop, or working together one-on-one. Let’s remember: pain doesn’t define you. It doesn’t have to hurt forever. Stay well and happy moving, Lisa P.S., Watch “Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: It Doesn’t Have to Hurt.” at 9 p.m. ET on September 7 on CNN. Supporting you in your physical activity journey.Together, we will use thoughtful and considerate movement to reprogram how you live in your body. Let's teach your brain to soften the intensity, and to grow your own ease.
Using exercise science, kinesiology, and yoga therapy, we can find a place that will not only allow you to move better and move more, but also increase the quality of your life.
www.lisaworkman.com |
Medical Fitness Consulting
Struggling to stay consistent with movement? Each week you’ll get relatable stories, practical strategies, and uplifting tips to help you move smarter, feel better, and bring more wellness into your daily life.
Hi Reader, Do It Fitness GIF by yovana Consistency with exercise—it’s one of those things we all want, yet it can feel tricky at times. I’ve learned that staying consistent isn’t about perfection or pushing through. It’s about how you think about movement. When my clients shift their mindset, everything else falls into place naturally. Here are the three mindset shifts that can make all the difference for you: 1. Change your angle Try approaching movement differently—switch the type,...
Hey! I recently picked up neuroscientist James R. Doty's first book, Into the Magic Shop, while waiting for his newest book, Mind Magic, to arrive from the library. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect—but it was such a refreshing nonfiction read about how he transformed his life from one of hardship to one of success. Doty shares four “magic tricks” that he learned during his childhood from Ruth, a magic shopkeeper, and I couldn’t help but think about how they apply to exercise, physical...
Hi Reader, This week, a client asked me a question that I just had to share: “What do you think about fitness rings?” I love when clients ask detailed questions like this—it’s a chance to dig into the science and see what’s really useful versus just flashy tech. Fitness rings are getting really popular, and it’s easy to see why. They’re small, comfortable, and they give you a lot of information about sleep, recovery, and movement habits. From an evidence-based perspective, here’s what the...