The Confident Body Show

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Lyne Strmecki, a competitive basketball player still going strong at 58, to discuss how to improve long-term strength without relying solely on gym workouts. They explore Lyne’s journey from elite sport to targeted rehabilitation, how COVID reshaped her approach to fitness, and why professional supervision makes all the difference when it comes to safe, effective training. Lyne also shares how strength and conditioning have helped her stay confident on the court, and in everyday life. For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Tania Cicmil, founder of Mindstate Coaching and a high-performance mindset strategist, to discuss what to do when your body just doesn’t feel right, and why getting a second opinion can change everything. They unpack why lack of progress after seven weeks may signal the need for a new approach, and how staying consistent for the first three months can deliver real, lasting results. Tania also shares why building muscle and bone strength, especially for women over 50, is key to living an active, healthy life for decades to come. For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by nutritional health expert Tracy Davies to explore what truly matters when it comes to long-term health, and it’s not just about weight. They unpack how good nutrition isn’t about restriction or perfection, but about fuelling your body for energy, strength, and longevity. Tracy shares how nutrition supports muscle and bone health, heart function, and metabolism, especially as we age, and why small, realistic changes are more powerful than strict diets. They also tackle a common barrier: the fear of being judged. Tracy explains why working with a nutritionist should feel supportive, not intimidating, and how step-by-step habits can lead to lifelong wellbeing. Whether you’re over 35, want to feel better in your body, or are due for a health check, this episode offers simple, empowering ways to assess and support your nutritional health, without the pressure. For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by sports physiotherapist Kusal Goonewardena to unpack the often-overlooked key to strength and performance: recovery. They dive into why recovery isn’t just rest—it’s a structured part of every smart training plan. From sleep quality and hydration to stress, nutrition, and tracking tools like HRV, Kusal shares how to spot when your body isn’t bouncing back and what to do about it. Whether you're training regularly or just want to feel better day to day, this episode helps you understand how to balance effort with recovery for real results—especially if you're over 50. For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Loris Bertolacci to explore what it really takes to return to running after an injury. From hamstring strains to calf issues, they break down how to recover safely, avoid common mistakes, and know when you're truly ready to run again. Loris shares expert tips on strength training, managing load, and the fine line between rehab and performance training. If you're eager to get back on track—stronger and smarter—this episode is a must-listen. For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Jackie Kenny, a 66-year-old triathlete and martial artist, to explore how staying active, strong, and purposeful can transform the way we age. Jackie reflects on her rich athletic journey—from her first triathlon in 1984 to her dedication to karate—and the challenges she’s overcome with injury and recovery. A key part of her comeback was training at MD Health, where a personalised program helped her rebuild strength, improve mobility, and return to doing what she loves. Together, they discuss how the right mindset, structured strength training, and recovery practices can support longevity in sport and life. Jackie’s story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to start—and that quality movement, connection, and joy should guide every stage of training. Tune in to be inspired by Jackie’s journey, her practical insights on aging well, and how living with purpose can shape a confident, active life at any age. For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Matt Pallozzi, Founder of Instinct Health and head physiotherapist for Collingwood’s AFLW program, to discuss the evolving landscape of women’s football and the unique challenges athletes face. Matt shares insights from his extensive experience in AFLW, including his time with Carlton and Collingwood, highlighting the distinct injury patterns in women’s football—particularly the prevalence of ACL injuries—and the impact of the league’s condensed season on recovery and performance. They explore the critical role of communication in rehabilitation, from physios to coaches to players, and how better pathways, increased funding, and improved injury prevention strategies can help shape the future of the sport. Matt also reflects on the relationships built within the football community and the rewarding journey of founding Instinct Health, which has now grown to two locations with a dedicated team of eight physiotherapists. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the present and future of women’s football, injury prevention, and the importance of strong support networks in elite sport. For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with David Smith, Co-founder and Director of Absolute Health Performance, for an insightful discussion on the importance of strength training in your 50s and beyond—why it’s essential, how to do it safely, and the long-term benefits for muscle mass, power, and bone density. David explains why simply walking or doing light exercises isn’t enough to maintain strength as we age. Together, they break down the key components of an effective program, including structured strength training, sprint work, and jumping exercises to support lifelong confidence and mobility. They also discuss the role of professional guidance in creating a safe, progressive routine tailored to individual goals. Let’s take control of our strength and longevity! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Caitlin Smith for an enlightening conversation on osteoporosis—its prevention, management, and the powerful roles of strength training and nutrition. Caitlin highlights the evolving understanding of bone health, emphasising that osteoporosis is not just a 'female issue' and that men are increasingly affected. Together, they explore the essential roles of hormones, the impact of stress, and the need for a holistic approach to health, including regular check-ups and lifestyle choices that strengthen bone density and improve overall well-being. Let’s get confident and proactive about bone health! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Riaza Manricks, founder of Reimagining Business, for an insightful conversation about the importance of strength training during pregnancy and its role in overall well-being. Riaza shares her personal journey through two pregnancies, navigating the challenges and the significance of professional guidance. The discussion highlights the balance between parenting and exercise, reflecting on her recovery after childbirth and the long-term goals she has for her health and fitness. Throughout the conversation, Riaza offers valuable lessons learned from her experiences, emphasising the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle not only for personal health but also for keeping up with children as they grow. Let’s get confident! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.                  

This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Valerie Judge, founder and managing director of Rose Phoenix Health, for an insightful conversation about the impact of anxiety on our behaviour and its intricate connection to pain. Valerie navigates the various stages of stress and anxiety, shedding light on how they can hinder our progress towards goals. She also explores the complex relationship between anxiety and pain, demonstrating how they often amplify each other. Throughout the discussion, Valerie shares valuable strategies to manage fear and anxiety, including the power of talking therapy and relaxation techniques. She underlines the importance of seeking help when anxiety begins to cast a shadow over our enjoyment of life and advocates for regular sessions with a psychologist as part of a holistic well-being plan. Let’s get confident! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermansky is joined by Paul Moritz, a long distance race walker and client of MD Health, to discuss his sporting and wellbeing journey.  Paul shares his experiences across a long racing career, including his three fundamentals of endurance sport success, the importance of strength work in his return after injury, and why having fun is so important - especially for endurance athletes. In a challenging and often isolating sport - particularly when you’re trying to return to competition - Paul singled out the importance of the camaraderie between endurance athletes (in this case, an ex-marathon runner and MD Health client) in helping with your rehab and return to racing.  Let’s get confident! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermanski is joined by Pinakin Godse, a sports physiotherapist with a rich background as both an athlete and a physio to elite sportspeople. Pinakin shares his experiences working with Olympic-level athletes as they return after an injury-enforced break - the common mistakes, the barriers to success, and the lessons that amateurs can learn. After all, athletes regularly deal with injury, so they are used to the requirements of returning to sport in a safe way that hopefully also makes them stronger than before. This episode is full of great tips to help you plan and build an approach that will give you the greatest chance of successfully returning to the sport (or any activity) that you love. Let’s get confident!   For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermanski has a very special guest in the studio… himself! Yes, Michael is mixing it up with a short sharp solo episode. No guests - just you, him and the facts.  In his hardest-hitting interview to date, Michael asks himself all he’s ever wanted to know about returning to running after an injury: the most common injuries the team at MD Health see; the stages that clients need to progress through on their journey back to running; and the keys to getting back to their best. Along the way, he also reveals to himself the role that psychology plays in the process, and the surprising (well, not if you’re a regular listener) role strength plays in becoming a better runner. Let’s get confident! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to MD health.com/articles.  

This week, we’ve got another client journey to share with you. Michael is joined by special guest Trevor Young to talk about his experience working with the MD Health team. After many years of physical activity, basketball injuries coupled with a desk-based job were taking their toll. Trevor found it hard to do the simple things he’d previously taken for granted. He was losing confidence in his body. With energetic kids and a looming long-haul flight, Trevor knew it was time to take action. In this wide-ranging interview, Trevor shares his initial experience in getting started with MD Health, and the difference he’s found over the last ten months. It’s a great insight into what’s in store for anyone looking to get more out of life and be your best - and what you can achieve in a relatively short space of time. Let’s get confident! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael welcomes back Josh Blencowe from MD Health to explore a biomechanical perspective on skiing, as well as nutrition and hydration tips to help you maximise your enjoyment from your trip. Skiing and snowboarding work the major muscle groups of the lower body - but it’s easy to overlook the fine control muscles around the joints that are also tested. You need to work on a combination of these areas to get your body ready. Like most activities discussed on the Confident Body podcast, it pays to plan ahead to ensure your body is best prepared to handle the different stresses your ski trip will place on it. Giving your health practitioner as much notice as possible is a simple way to build up so you're ready to give the trip your best. Let’s get confident! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael is joined by the founder of Clinical Pilates, Craig Phillips, to discuss the evolution of the practice, the significant changes over the years, and the future direction of healthcare.  Craig’s fascinating journey has taken him from the Australian Ballet in the 70s to the San Francisco 49ers and all the way to the OIympics. Along the way, he was responsible for evolving Joseph Pilates’ original exercise regime and applying a clinical approach that incorporated a focus on injury treatment and recovery. In this wide-ranging discussion, Craig shares his experiences and insights from an extensive career, and highlights the key areas practitioners and individuals should focus on so they can stay out of hospital and keep doing the things they love. Let’s get confident!   For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

Planning an overseas holiday is an exciting time. But for many people, particularly as they get older, it can cause a lot of anxiety. If you are dealing with pain or restricted movement, the idea of doing more exercise than normal while on holiday - which is to be expected, as you don’t want to be stuck in your room all day - can be confronting. And not just for the concern around pain or an inability to do what you want to do; there is also a fear of making the problem worse, which could seriously impact your enjoyment. In this episode, Michal Dermansky is joined by fellow MD Health practitioner Liam Pezet to explore how people can best prepare for an overseas trip. Planning is key: with enough time, an exercise professional can develop a rehab / performance program that is focused on specific exercises that will support your expected activity while overseas. This is a must-listen for anyone planning an overseas trip - or for anyone who has put off travel plans due to a lack of confidence in their body. Let’s get confident!   For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermansky, senior physiotherapist at MD Health, is joined by long-time customers Stephen and Kathleen to hear about their experience in overcoming pain and getting stronger and more confident through exercise. Pain and injury can stop us from doing many things we enjoy - from gardening, to sport, to simply lifting up the grandkids - especially as we get older. After working with the MD Health team, Stephen and Kathleen were able to get back to doing many things that they thought had passed them by. Their exercise journey culminated in a trip of a different kind: to Sicily. By being consistent and diligent in doing the work, even through COVID, they were able to step out with confidence overseas and take on a challenging walking tour. Their story is a great example of people being able to live their best lives through preventative strengthening exercises.  Let’s get confident! For practical articles to help you build a confident body, go to mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week, Michael Dermansky, senior physiotherapist at MD Health, is joined by David Smith, Co-founder and Director at Absolute Health & Performance, to discuss the blurred line between performance and rehab training. As our understanding of how the human body works continues to deepen, it has changed how health practitioners approach injury management and performance improvement. Today, most practitioners believe there is very little difference between treating an injury and training for performance. In the episode, we examine this new approach to both injury management and performance improvement, and explore the crossover between the two - with the needs of the patient paramount in both cases. Let’s get confident!