You’ve seen the word everywhere: Flexibility & Mobility, Hyrox & Mobility, Mobility Flow.
But what does it actually mean?
In this short solo episode, Marianne breaks it down for you: where the term comes from, how it fits into modern fitness, and why it’s so much more than stretching.
You’ll learn:
Whether you’re a Pilates enthusiast, runner, or just want to move with more ease, this episode will help you understand what your body’s been trying to tell you all along.
Mobility is what keeps your body capable.
It’s what makes strength usable.
If you'd like to take a deeper and more technical dive into the topic, you can listen to this episode with Kevin Hendry:
🎧 Still in Pain? Discover Brain-Based Mobility with Osteopath Kevin Hendry
https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000714756562
Stay tuned with us as we get prepare your first RAD mobility workshop at the studio.
What do we say to parents who have suffered the unimaginable?
How do we birth and parent after traumatic childhood events?
Should we talk about baby loss and death with our children?
All these questions Alana Gallini and Marianne explore in this poignant episode.
Alana is a mother of three mini humans earthside who, in 2019, lost her firstborn.
She recalls what it felt like, emotionally, logistically, and humanly, to discover her baby’s condition, make the decision to keep Grove from suffering, and go through a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) and stillbirth after 20 weeks’ gestation.
It’s a conversation about love and loss that reminds us we don’t only grieve the past. We often grieve the future we, and our loved ones, were robbed of.
If you are going through a TFMR, have experienced stillbirth or miscarriage, or simply wonder what it means to honour death with grace in a society that shushes it, this episode is for you.
In loving remembrance, we dedicate it to Grove (26.06.2019 👼), beloved child of Alana and Florian Gallini.
If you’re pregnant, you may have been told:“Do 100 Kegels aday to prevent tearing during birth.” But what if that advice was outdated—and could actually do more harm than good?
In this episode, Marianne is busting the myths around pelvic floor training during pregnancy and shifting the focus to what truly prepares you for birth and optimises recovery.
Overrecruiting your pelvic floor can lead to dysfunction—leaks, painful sex, hip pain, and even a more challenging birth experience. Instead of old-school practices, Marianne guides you through a more effective approach:
🔹Squeeze less—More contractions don’t equal a stronger,more functional pelvic floor.
🔹Learn to release—Use movement, breath, and imagery to restore balance and prepare for birth.
🔹Strengthen surrounding muscles— And support the pelvic floor by training it functionally that is through full-body movements.
Whether you're expecting or working with pregnant clients, this episode will help you rethink pelvic floor training and feel more empowered during this journey.
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Marianne Tafani is a perinatal exercisespecialist who has trained over 2,100 new and expecting mothers. The advice in this episode is based on 10 years of clinical expertise, combined with the latest women’s health research and a deep understanding of functional anatomyand neuroanatomy. These educational tips are not a substitute for personalised medical guidance. For tailored support, consult a women’s health physiotherapist.
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If you enjoyed this solo episode, you might enjoy listeningto:
Welcome to the very first episode of The Core Clinic, a brand-new segment of the podcast where Marianne offers real-time guidance to people navigating pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, and other core concerns.
In this episode, Marianne welcomes Zoe Davies, a 40-year-old mother of two and Pilates & yoga instructor trainee, who recently underwent reconstructive pelvic floor surgery.
Together, they explore what her ideal postpartum care could have looked like 12 years ago, and what others can learn from Zoe's journey today.
All mothers who have delivered vaginally, especially with the assistance of forceps, and those experiencing incontinence, heaviness, or prolapse symptoms will find practical, compassionate insights inside.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has undergone pelvic floor surgery, is considering it, or wants to take conservative steps to support pelvic health before reaching that stage.
⏰ Timestamps
➕More information
🎙 To Practice Better Pelvic Floor Exercises:S1E19 Beyond Kegels: 3 Simple Pelvic Floor Episodes
💌 Want to be next on the Core Clinic?
If you don’t know where to start, have been told “it’s normal,” or are weighing your options and would like to get both personalised guidance and to help others through your story, we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Contact Marianne at podcast@coreconnectstudio.com or send a message on
It's Q&As time!
Last month, Marianne received a flood of thoughtful questions on Instagram.
In this episode, she's picked out 5 of the most common ones to walk you through.
She'll cover what the science says, what leading medical guidelines recommend, and of course, her perspective from years of working with pregnant women in clinics and in the studio.
If you have more questions:🔗 Connect with Marianne on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/?hl=fr
🎧 Have a listen to the episodes referenced today:S1E24: Should I train my abs during pregnancy?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/12wbZqOGv4AQYqUSxMRneC?utm_source=chatgpt.com
S1E35: Birth Timing & Intuition: Navigating Labour with Doula Stevie McKenzie
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Gd5UFKMrR0N3uznkgqolv?si=3ee57c8a07a247af
In this episode, Marianne welcomes Ava Rodriguez, industry titan, fine educator, powerhouse of mobility and inspiring mother of two teenage daughters.
Together, Ava and Marianne explore what it really takes to:
But beyond her credentials, this episode is about discovering Ava’s personality: her drive, her grounded approach, and the authenticity that makes her unforgettable.
Here’s the exciting part: Ava is coming to Dubai soon for a workshop with Bodyhack. So if you’re looking to sharpen your skills, grow your brand, and be inspired by one of the best, this conversation is your perfect starting point.
Connect with Ava: https://www.movebeyondwithava.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoolv47Y_NckYFunsgTY-H_V7Wn2BME2cvHOKD5SynXtvXgZ3cBM
Ava's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/movebeyond.withava/
🎧 And if you're a mobility fan, have a listen to this episode: Still in Pain? Discover Brain-Based Mobility with Osteopath Kevin Hendry. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/still-in-pain-discover-brain-based-mobility-with/id1766482868?i=1000714756562
Too many new mothers are told to “just start doing Kegels” within days of birth.
But this advice can do more harm than good.
In this episode, Marianne breaks down the myths around pelvic floor recovery and offers a realistic, research-backed timeline for the first 3 months postpartum.
Drawing on the work of leading expert Kari Bø and her own years of supporting 2,280 women, she explains why active recovery works in the early days postpartum in the same way active recovery works for athletes post-event.
She suggests a timeline for isolated pelvic floor training that actually makes sense, and how to safely progress toward functional strength.
Whether you’ve had a straightforward delivery or an instrumental one, this episode will give you clarity and confidence about what your body truly needs in these early months.
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🎧 If you are in phase 2, listen to S1E9:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000674250480
🎧 You might also be interested in listening to:
S1E17 Healing Your Pelvic Floor with Claire Sparrow
S1E23
https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000687380937
📝 Dive Deeper with the article from Kari Bø et. al.:
Recovery of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength and Endurance
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00192-022-05334-y?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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🔁 Don't forget to share this episode with friends and family who may find it useful.
Your share makes a huge difference to how many women can access this information!
To connect:
Meet Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, a Boston-based neuropsychiatrist, engineer, 4x health tech founder, and cancer survivor whose story and insights are nothing short of inspiring.
In this episode, Marianne and Reza cover everything from the surprising #1 risk factor for Alzheimer’s (it’s not your genes), to simple morning routines for brain health, to why your 40s are the decade to invest in yourself.
Reza also opens up about surviving cancer, reshaping his life’s purpose, and how he uses his own journey to guide others.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Reza shares incredible daily posts on neuroscience, health, and technology.
You can follow his work here: Reza’s LinkedIn
If you liked this episode, consider sharing it on social media or with your friends.
Especially those caring for elders or supporting loved ones through addiction
We talk openly about ACL tears and their recovery protocols.
But pelvic floor tears? That silence is costing women time, confidence, and long-term health.
In this episode, Matt Marney, Pilates educator, personal trainer, meditation teacher, and founder of Wellness Education Dubai, interviews Marianne Tafani, women’s health advocate and creator of the Core Connect postnatal method and studio.
Marianne shares the personal story that led to the creation of her postnatal courses.
Together, they explore:
If you're feeling lost about what steps to take after childbirth to return to exercise or are a practitioner working with postpartum clients, this conversation is filled with clarity, empathy, and practical tools.
Connect with Matt on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wellness_education_dubai/
Find out more about Matt's educational programmes:
Do you ever wish you could skip your period? Or wonder why your moods, energy, and focus seem to change throughout the month? What if you could use your cycle to enhance your sports performance, fertility, or even daily life?
👀 In this episode, Marianne is joined by Chantal Blake, a menstrual health specialist, former nurse, environmental engineer, mother of three, and author of Peaceful Period. Chantal’s journey spans the globe—from New York City to Algeria, Oman, Yemen, and now Senegal—and her wisdom on the menstrual cycle is both deeply scientific and profoundly empowering.
✨ There’s something primal and beautifully transformative about respecting and honoring your cycle.By understanding who you are at different phases—Day 1, Day 14, Day 21—you can connect with your body in ways that unlock your full power. Chantal helps us explore how to embrace the science of menstrual health while offering practical tips to reconnect with the innate wisdom of your body.
With her soothing voice and actionable insights, Chantal guides us through the seasons of the cycle—winter, spring, summer, and fall—and shares practices that will help you harness the full potential of your body and mind.
🎧 Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s episode:
This episode is a celebration of self-awareness and the magic of cycles. Get ready to unlock tools for personal empowerment and a deeper understanding of your body.
Resources from the Episode📖 Order Chantal’s book Peaceful Periods📱 Connect with Chantal on Instagram🎙️ Episode #2 with Dr. Aarti on fasting and your cycle
If you’re ready to embrace the full spectrum of who you are throughout your cycle, this episode is for you. Tune in and join us on this empowering journey!
Today’s episode is part of the special Studio Owner Series.
In this episode, Marianne chats with Jill Harris, a powerhouse of creativity in the Pilates world. With 30 years in the industry, 25 years as a studio owner, and a gorgeous smile on social media, Jill’s impact is profound.
Jill is also the visionary behind FitSprings, a piece of equipment developed over nearly a decade to support those with impairments or recovering from injuries, or simply those who like to feel lighter during fun workouts.
You won’t want to miss this conversation. Jill shares the challenges she’s faced, including a recent traumatic attack in San Francisco that led to a shoulder injury. Jill is open, generous, resilient, and her insights are invaluable, especially for fellow entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and strength.
Whether you’re a fitness professional, an entrepreneur, or someone on a health journey, this episode is packed with wisdom.
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Discover the world of FitSprings here:
https://www.instagram.com/fitsprings/
Jill's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/jillharrispilates/
What does it really take to build strong bones and age well?
In this episode, I sit down with Gemma Pearson, a clinical Pilates specialist and former dancer, who now runs a thriving practice supporting students with osteoporosis from her home in the South of France.
But this conversation is about so much more than osteoporosis.
It’s about the power of training your feet and shifting your mindset in the face of conditions and injuries.
It's about redefining strength as we age.
It's about lifestyle, the Reformer (and whether it's enough for bone health), and why your 1 Rep Max and core strength matter more than you think for balance and mobility.
If you’re a woman with bones (which, let’s assume you are) and want to move well for life, this episode is for you!
Find Gemma at https://www.osteoporosispilates.com oron Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osteoporosis.pilates
🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, check out:
This week, Marianne welcomes Zeina Maktabi, functional nutritionist, registered dietician, and newly minted Pilates mat instructor .
With a deep passion for health that’s spanned decades, sharpened during COVID, Zeina brings clarity, compassion and calm to the often-noisy world of wellnessadvice.
In this conversation, she busts one of the biggest myths circulating among health circles: you do need that breakfast.
Especially as a woman. Zeina explains how skipping it can elevate cortisol at the wrong time, disrupting your hormonal balance and energy levels. But cortisol isn’t the enemy. It’s also essential for wakefulness and hormonal cascades. It’s all about balance and pace.
Zeina's mantra? Slow is the fastest way.
Here are her 5 simple yet powerful tips:
Whether you're navigating hormonal changes, revisiting your nutrition, or just want to feel more grounded in your daily routine, this episode is a must-listen.
If you liked this episode:
🎧 Listen to Episode 10 with Dr Erik Korem to dive deeper into the science of circadian rhythms.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000675162281
🎧 Try Episode 14 with Chantal Blake for a supportive conversation about harnessing the power of our menstrual cycles.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000678559124
Have you heard of vaginal steaming?
This ancient practice is making a comeback for a reason—it can help with chronic infections, heavy periods, birth preparation, postpartum healing, and even reconnecting with your inner wisdom 🧘♀️
Our guest this week bridges the gap between tradition and modern self-care: Liberty Gerderloos is a menstrual cycle specialist known for creating powerful steaming blends that help women master their cycles, free themselves from infections, and recover faster postnatally.
In this episode, Liberty shares:
If you enjoyed this conversation, check out Episode 14 with Chantal Blake on unlocking the power of your menstrual cycle: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000678559124
🔗 Order Liberty’s steaming chair and blends online: https://www.sheisliberty.com
📲 For personalised consultations & blends, connect with Liberty: https://www.instagram.com/sheisliberty/?hl=fr
And don't forget to share this episode if you found it useful and feel called to 🙏 It makes a huge difference to the number of women who may be in pain and could benefit from this information.
No. You probably don’t need that tummy tuck. You definitely don’t need intimate wipes, creams, or whiteners. And you may not even need the IVF treatment you’ve been offered.
My guest today, Dr. Gael Abou Ghannam, is an Obstetrics, Gynecology, and fertility specialist who tackles these uncomfortable, often taboo, topics head-on.
Trained in Lebanon and Belgium with a specialization in fertility preservation for cancer patients, Dr. Gael has become one of the leading voices for women’s health in the Middle East—a renowned researcher, podcaster, and brilliant obstetrician.
In this episode, we dive deep into fertility myths, IVF alternatives, the widespread issue of vaginismus (particularly in the Middle East), the allure and danger of quick fixes, and how pain is too often normalised for women.
Dr. Gael also shares how her personal fertility journey transformed her approach to care, making her a more compassionate and holistic doctor.
We hope this conversation empowers and inspires you to make informed lifestyle choices that support your health.
Dr. Gael’s Instagram page [https://www.instagram.com/dr.gael/]
Sirat Om: [https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/sirat-om-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D9%85/id1567583278– The first podcast in Arabic to offer stories of unfiltered motherhood.
Metle Metlik: [https://metlemetlik.com/en/homepage-english/] – A digital education platform co-founded by Dr. Gael, focused on women's reproductive health and sexual education.
Don’t forget to share this episode if you found it helpful or if our voices resonatedwith you !
Fatigue, Hair Loss, Poor Concentration—Could You Be Iron Deficient?
Did you know that iron deficiency can develop years before anemia sets in? Or that you'd need anywhere between 8 to 30 kilograms of spinach just to meet your recommended daily iron intake?
In this episode, Dr. Dheeraj Khiatani, a Singapore-based General Practitioner and one of Asia's leading experts on iron deficiency, joins Marianne to discuss the essentials of iron absorption and iron loss. Together, they explore:
Dr. Dheeraj and Marianne also reflect on their personal journeys into this area of nutrition, unpacking the health and financial costs of iron deficiency and its often-overlooked impact on women, notably those of reproductive age, endurance athletes, or women with inflammatory gut conditions.
If you're feeling chronically fatigued, or if your ferritin levels are low, this episode is a must-listen!
Timestamps:
💡 Postpartum? Feeling fatigued?You might also enjoy the episode featuring Dr. Labib, where we dive into clean living, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and actionable tips for thriving in the fourth trimester.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000677725847
This week, Marianne dives into the stages of labour and the all-important question- when should you head to the hospital? - with doula, hypnobirthing educator, and lactation specialist Stevie McKenzie.
Stevie and Marianne also explore how tuning into your intuition and embracing discomfort in daily life can prepare you for a more empowered experience.
🎙Curious about how to prepare your body pre-pregnancy? Check out:
🔗 Connect with Stevie:
https://www.instagram.com/thismumhypnobirthing/
🤰Check out Stevie's digital courses:
Did you know that chronic shoulder or hip pain could be linked to a distant scar, like a C-section scar? In fact, some shoulder surgeries and even hip replacements can be avoided by addressing scar tissue concerns.
Scar tissue is about 20% less functional than healthy tissue, causing adhesions and inflammation that often go unnoticed, yet play a significant role in chronicpain.
In this episode, Marianne is joined by Emma Holly, a renowned UK-based physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience specialising in scar treatment. Emma certifies therapists globally and has made it her mission to treat scar-related issues, from post-surgery patients to cancer and burn survivors.
Tune in to hear Emma's expert advice on managing scars, especially for new mothers dealing with C-section scars and “belly pouch”.
The conversation also highlights how older scars, like the one from Marianne’s son’s cleft lip surgery, can still benefit from treatment years later.
If you've ever had surgery and are curious about the long-term effects of scar tissue on your body, this episode is for you!
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TIMESTAMPS
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Enjoyed this episode? You might also enjoy listening to Episode 1 with Grainne Donnelly on Postpartum Guidelines.
Find out more about Emma’s work:
Tight neck and upper back?
Clicking knees and hips?
Chronic pain?
What if mobility tools could unlock it all?
In this last episode of our first season, Kevin Hendry shares his journey from traditional osteopathic practice to becoming the Director of Education at RAD Mobility after healing chronic baseball injuries.
Kevin and Marianne discuss:
Kevin truly brings a unique blend of clinical expertise andinnovative thinking to the world of movement and pain management.
We hope this episode kickstarts your healing journey!
📶 Stay tuned for RAD Mobility workshops at Core Connect in the Fall.
🔗 Connect with Kevin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mobilitymaster/
Dealing with incessant bloat?
Or chronic tension in your core?
You're not alone, and the answers you're looking for might not be found in our Pilates classes.
In this episode, Marianne shares 5 transformative books that approach core health from a truly holistic perspective. Beyond "zip it up".
She dives deep into the interconnected world of gut health, feminine wisdom, energetic anatomy, and the cultural forces that shape how we relate to our bodies.
Marianne also offers one tip or technique per book to get started.
Featured Books & Timestamps
🤸♂️🤸♀️Want to read AND practice?
There are 5 days left to sign up for the Core Connect Summer Programme:
https://www.coreconnectstudio.com/programme
🎧 Want to practice the Blueberries and 2 other effective pelvic floor exercises? Listen to Episode 9
https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000674250480
Stay tuned for next week's mobility chat with osteopath and head of education Kevin Hendry next week for the final episode of season 1.
Have a glorious summer ahead 🔆
