Show Notes
This is my personal favorite topic, but probably your least favorite: strength training.
Before you run away, hear me out! Because whether you’re bed-bound, housebound, or just convinced your body can’t handle it right now, this episode is for you.
I’m breaking down exactly WHY resistance and strength training isn’t just helpful for vestibular disorders—it’s essential.
You Have to Move Your Body to Manage Your Dizziness
From the dizzy-anxious-dizzy cycle to blood sugar regulation to better sleep to reduced inflammation, strength training touches virtually every struggle vestibular warriors face. I’m not letting anyone off the hook, but I am meeting you exactly where you are.
Starting with 3 minutes? That counts.
Walking to the mailbox and back? That counts too.
Because the goal here is progress, not perfection.
And you know I have the science to back every single word of it!
In this episode, we’ll dig into:
Why strength training is non-negotiable for vestibular disorder management
How exercise helps break the dizzy-anxious-dizzy cycle
“In the moment” vs. “hangover” dizziness and how to adjust your approach
Why EDS, HSD, or MCAS makes building muscle even more critical
The truth about the fear of getting “bulky”
How to start exercising when you’re bedbound or couch-bound
What physical activity guidelines actually say, and where most people fall short
How functional movements like the deadlift directly support vestibular patients
How Vestibular Group Fit makes strength and resistance training accessible
Whether you start with 3 minutes or 30, the most important thing is that you start. Because your vestibular system, your mood, your balance, and your future self are all counting on it.
Links Mentioned:
Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit
Free Resources:
The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n
The PPPD Management Masterclass: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd
What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership
The FREE Mini VGFit Workout: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit
The FREE POTS – safe Workouts: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots
Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor
Work with Dr. Madison:
For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email [email protected]
Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!
Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/
Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit
Citations:
Adriano Oliveira, Andressa Fidalgo, Paulo Farinatti, Walace Monteiro,Effects of high-intensity interval and continuous moderate aerobic training on fitness and health markers of older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis,Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics,Volume 124,2024,105451,ISSN 0167-4943,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2024.105451.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167494324001274)
Yu Y, Wang J, Xu J. Optimal dose and type of exercise to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Sep 12;15:1436499. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1436499. PMID: 39328348; PMCID: PMC11424528.
Zhang Y, Zhou M, Yin Z, Zhuang W, Wang Y. Relationship between physical activities and mental health in older people: a bibliometric analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Oct 21;15:1424745. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1424745. PMID: 39497901; PMCID: PMC11532734.
Garcia Meneguci, C. A., Meneguci, J., Sasaki, J. E., Tribess, S., & Júnior, J. S. V. (2021). Physical activity, sedentary behavior and functionality in older adults: A cross-sectional path analysis. PloS one, 16(1), e0246275. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.
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