Episode 12: Movement as Medicine: Rebuilding Strength Without Crashing with guest Caroline Jordan
Learn how to safely incorporate gentle movement into daily life—without triggering post-exertional malaise (PEM), a major feature of many chronic illnesses.
In this episode of the Dr. Eleanor Stein Podcast, fitness coach Caroline Jordan shares practical strategies from her years of experience helping people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, POTS, hypermobility, and chronic pain. She explains how movement, when adapted to the individual, can support energy, ease pain, and help maintain function—without pushing the body beyond its limits.
Backed by both science and experience, this conversation explores how movement supports mitochondrial function, improves strength, eases pain, and enhances emotional well-being. Caroline offers inclusive and adaptable fitness approaches that help people reconnect with their bodies and build resilience—even with limited energy.
Highlights include
- Understanding post-exertional malaise and why pacing matters
- The role of mitochondrial energy in fatigue and recovery
- Gentle movement strategies: chair workouts, mobility, and walking routines
- How to begin safely with chronic pain, hypermobility, or elevated heart rate
- Maintaining strength and mobility without gym equipment
- The importance of self-compassion and listening to your body
- Sustainable, personalized routines for long-term progress
Caroline also shares how to access her large library of free and low-cost workout videos and coaching programs for people of all abilities.
(03:34) Podcast Overview & Caroline’s Unique Approach
(07:08) Caroline’s Backstory: Family, Dance, and Fitness
(13:12) Shifting Fitness Culture & Core Values
(16:00) Adapting Movement for Every Body
(22:07) Gentle Movement for Chronic Illness and Fatigue
(29:00) Pain, Pacing, and Listening to Your Body 36:06 Building Sustainable, Injury-Free Strength
(43:08) Finding Motivation & Your Exercise Personality
(48:10) Programs, Free Resources, and Final Takeaways
Visit Caroline in the following places:
Website: https://carolinejordanfitness.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/CarolineJordan
Caroline Jordan Blog: https://carolinejordanfitness.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinejordanfitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinejordanfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolinefitness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinejordanfitness/
Patreon Membership: https://www.patreon.com/carolinejordanfitness
Welcome to my podcast!
I am a retired medical doctor and psychiatrist specializing in chronic complex diseases. With over 33 years of experience, I have worked with thousands of patients, integrating both conventional and integrative approaches to enhance health and function. Since retiring from medical practice at the end of 2022, my passion is to help others find healing by sharing science-based, no-to-low-cost health strategies.
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