Mind Body Marathon

By: Dr. Leo Kormanik
  • Summary

  • Welcome to The Mind Body Marathon: the podcast that puts you on a path to a healthier lifestyle–whether you’re a daily runner or just finding your footing. Running is one of the best forms of exercise to improve both your mental and physical health, leading to stronger cardio health, more sleep, higher energy, and even stronger immune systems. But it’s not the only way to get healthy. This podcast will explore running as well as other exercise, health, and wellness topics that relate to nearly everyone. Hosted by Dr. Leo Kormanik, this podcast will offer insights into getting or staying fit without the risk of injury, tips and tricks for improving your health for the long-term, and a deeper understanding of health trends and fads that may or may not be beneficial for you. The goal is simple: to help you better understand both your body and mind so you can live a healthier life. Dr. Leo is a sports chiropractor, running physiologist, and former elite runner with a marathon time of 2:18. His career is focused on helping runners, athletes, and workout novices improve their performance and reach their health goals while reducing the risk of exercise-related injuries. Each week, Dr. Leo and his guests will be exploring topics that are relevant to fitness newbies, elites, and everyone in between, including: The doubts and anxieties that hold us back from our physical and mental potential Differentiating between injuries and muscle fatigue to speed up recovery and avoid greater damage The myths and facts surrounding current and past wellness trends, such as ice baths, saunas, cupping, acupuncture, cryotherapy, and hyperbaric therapy Fitness goals (and how to reach them) no matter where you’re starting out Your health is a marathon, not a sprint, so start taking the steps to better long-term health. The Mind Body Marathon is here to help you set the pace.
    Copyright 2024 Dr. Leo Kormanik
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Episodes
  • Dr. Leo's Faster Without Fail Book Discussion with Samua Kormanik
    Sep 30 2024

    In this episode of the MindBody Marathon, host Dr. Leo running expert discusses his recently released book, "Faster Without Fail," with his wife, Samua. The conversation focuses on the book's insights into running form, injury prevention, and training, emphasizing a practical approach rather than a sales pitch.

    Dr. Leo explains that the motivation behind writing the book arose from his frustration with repetitive conversations about running and the ineffective approaches in the running industry regarding injury rates and running form. He stresses that there is no universal "perfect" running form; instead, each runner has a unique movement pattern that should be understood and embraced.

    He highlights the misconception in traditional medicine that rest is always the solution for running injuries. Dr. Leo believes that many injuries are not simply a result of overuse but rather expose existing weaknesses in the body. He encourages runners to analyze their own mechanics and work within their natural movement patterns to enhance performance.

    The discussion also touches on Dr. Leo's respectful and personalized approach to treating a wide range of runners, from elite athletes to casual participants. He emphasizes that the book is accessible to all runners, offering actionable advice that can be applied regardless of skill level. Samua shares her appreciation for the book's practical tips, which she has already begun to incorporate into her own running practice. Overall, the episode conveys the book's core message: understanding and adapting one's unique running form can lead to improved performance and reduced injury risk.

    The speaker discusses a book that focuses on understanding individual running mechanics and improving running form. Despite having a dislike for running, they found the book engaging and informative, especially for those pursuing technical knowledge and actionable insights. The first half of the book addresses common running mistakes, while the second half offers unique methods for analyzing and improving running form.

    The speaker emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all running form, and each person's body has unique characteristics that dictate their running style. They share insights from their experiences treating various athletes, highlighting differences in body mechanics between ultra-marathoners and sprinting athletes. The ultimate goal of the book is to help readers recognize their body's strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to adapt their running form to meet the specific demands of different events. The speaker expresses a desire to share this knowledge with patients, underscoring their passion for helping others understand their unique biomechanics in running.

    The speaker expresses their deep passion for running and the process of writing a book about running mechanics. They highlight the dedication it took to wake up early and sacrifice other opportunities to complete the book, driven by the belief that the topic was important to share. They reflect on discovering their enjoyment in writing and elaborating on complex concepts in a way that resonates with different audiences, from elite athletes to casual runners.

    The book is designed to be accessible and informative for readers at all levels, providing insights into running form and mechanics that can benefit everyone. The speaker discusses their experiences working with a wide range of runners, emphasizing the need to tailor advice to individual understanding and experience. They also note the ongoing journey of improving one’s running form, likening it to personal growth—an ever-evolving process where one should continuously strive for improvement.

    As the speaker prepares for an upcoming ultra-marathon event, they discuss adapting their running form to meet the unique demands of long-distance running. They compare the adjustment of running style to changing gears in a car, emphasizing the...

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    40 mins
  • Sprint and Strength Training with Antonio Coleman and Dr. Leo Running Expert and Dr. Matt Pisanelli
    Sep 23 2024

    Dr. Leo Kormanik Running Expert discuss athletic performance with Dr. Matt Pisanelli and sprinting specialist Antonio Coleman. Coleman, who coaches at GameSpeed Performance Academy shares his journey from a novice track athlete to a successful coach. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, citing his own experience of training on a hill to improve his sprinting times significantly.

    Coleman advocates for quality over quantity in training, focusing on maintaining peak performance rather than volume. He adjusts workouts based on athletes' performance to prevent injury and promote effective training. He also highlights the significance of changing athletes' perceptions of distance in sprinting.

    Additionally, Coleman introduces his barefoot speed training program, which strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the feet, crucial for effective sprinting. He believes that strong feet enhance overall performance by allowing athletes to fully utilize their strength in other muscle groups. He employs unconventional weight training techniques, such as pushing through the forefoot during squats, to further develop ankle stiffness and speed.

    Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of tailored training approaches, acknowledging the unique needs of each athlete to optimize their performance.

    In this discussion, the speaker emphasizes the importance of foot function in athletic performance, comparing it to doing push-ups with fingers splayed versus closed. Proper foot positioning allows for better muscle activation and overall efficiency in movement. The speaker also shares insights into their coaching philosophy, grounded in the belief that physical training should start from a foundational level, akin to how infants develop motor skills.

    They advocate for a tailored approach to training based on the athlete's specific discipline—such as linemen versus receivers in football—and stress the importance of coordination, balance, and mobility in strength development. The speaker utilizes assessments to gauge an athlete's readiness to progress from basic training to more specialized, sport-specific drills.

    The conversation touches on the concept of "sports age," assessing an athlete's physical maturity and readiness for advanced training. The speaker explains their methods for measuring speed and explosiveness, using tools like free lap timing cones to track performance improvements over time. They aim to instill confidence in athletes, demonstrating that if they can reach higher speeds in training, they can perform better in their respective events, such as running a 400-meter race more comfortably.

    Overall, the discussion highlights a holistic approach to training that combines foundational strength, sport-specific skills, and mental readiness, with a focus on achieving measurable progress.

    The speaker, who is 52 years old, discusses their return to competitive athletics after years of training, specifically focusing on hurdles. They emphasize the difference between training for aesthetics and training for competition, noting that they began serious training just weeks before their competition. They plan to compete seriously next year, aiming to be among the top in the world.

    The speaker also teaches adult fitness classes, advocating for a training approach that mimics athletic training, regardless of age. They believe that to achieve the desired physical appearance, one must train like an athlete, which involves exercises like slab pushes, box jumps, and various strength training movements.

    For those without access to a gym, they recommend a routine based on calisthenics, including push-ups, squats, and lunges, emphasizing the importance of consistency and dedication. The speaker describes their unique "workless workout," which focuses on isometric movements to strengthen connective tissue and improve overall muscle function, highlighting the significance of proper...

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    50 mins
  • Discussion on Different Treatment Options for Injuries with Dr. Leo Running Expert and Guests
    Sep 16 2024

    In this episode of the MindBodyMarathon podcast, host Dr. Leo Kormanik Running Expert and Dr. Matt Pisanelli are joined by chiropractic student Jared Bugaj. The discussion centers around modern treatment modalities for injury recovery and performance enhancement, contrasting them with older methods. They highlight the rise of techniques such as foam rolling, scraping, and the use of therapeutic guns, which have become commonplace in recent years.

    They outline the Active Release Technique (ART) as a foundational method in their practice, emphasizing its focus on releasing tension between muscles to improve function. The hosts discuss the importance of understanding tissue layers and the relationship between different muscles when applying these techniques. They also emphasize a hands-on approach, advocating for careful assessment of tissue to target specific areas effectively.

    The conversation touches on the trend of "clickbait" chiropractic techniques popularized on social media, which are often not formally taught in chiropractic schools. Jared explains that many trendy techniques are informal and may lack a solid evidence-based foundation. The hosts express skepticism about these flashy methods, advocating instead for informed, diagnostic approaches to chiropractic care.

    Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the body and utilizing effective treatment techniques while being wary of gimmicks in the field of chiropractic care.

    In this segment, the hosts discuss the popularity of TikTok videos featuring chiropractors that highlight the sounds of adjustments, likening them to ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) content. ASMR is characterized by soothing sounds that can induce a calming sensation, and the cracking sounds from chiropractic adjustments may trigger similar responses for viewers. They explore how the auditory and visual aspects of these videos can create an enticing experience, similar to the appeal of shows like "Dr. Pimple Popper."

    The conversation shifts to the science behind the popping sound during adjustments, which is caused by the release of gases like nitrous oxide from joint fluids when pressure is released, creating bubbles. This process is therapeutic, as nitrous oxide can dilate blood vessels and stimulate nerves, contributing to the sensation of relief associated with adjustments.

    The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding joint mechanics in chiropractic care, arguing that a strong foundation in joint function allows for more effective treatment of soft tissue issues. They also discuss the significance of core stability and proper movement patterns in overall body mechanics, suggesting that comprehensive treatment should address both joint function and muscle activation.

    To help patients manage their own care, they recommend techniques such as foam rolling, cross-friction massage, and using tools like Gua Sha for soft tissue release. They caution against using too much pressure, educating patients on how to avoid damaging underlying structures like nerves and blood vessels while performing self-treatment. Overall, the emphasis is on a balanced approach that incorporates both professional care and informed self-management strategies.

    In this discussion, the speakers talk about the nuances of foam rolling and self-myofascial release techniques, emphasizing the importance of understanding anatomy to avoid exacerbating nerve issues. They share a humorous anecdote about a race where one individual misapplied foam rolling on her glute, resulting in numbness due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. This highlights the risks of not knowing where to roll, particularly in sensitive areas like the upper back.

    They advocate for a technique of holding pressure on sore spots rather than aimlessly rolling, as this can lead to better results in releasing tension. After applying pressure, they suggest performing...

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    51 mins

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